Unit 41 Programming in Java

· Unit aim

To provide learners with an understanding of the principles of programming in Java, exploring the object oriented nature of the language and the multi-platform versatility offered.

· Unit abstract

Object oriented programming is an industry-proven method for developing reliable modular programs and is popular in software engineering and systems development. Consistent use of object oriented techniques can lead to shorter development lifecycles, increased productivity, adaptable code, reuse of different technologies, the interaction of different systems using common platforms and therefore lower the cost of producing and maintaining systems.

Java is synonymous with the object orient paradigm offering all the features of the technology in a format that can be used on many differing systems. The development of systems with Java objects simplifies the task of creating and maintaining complex applications.

Many environments use Java as its ‘underpinning’ framework, with Java applications found on mobile phones, dedicated systems, web-based multimedia, security and control systems as well as traditional applications and bespoke operating systems.

Learners taking this unit will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the Java programming language and develop code suited to a range of platforms. The unit is not specific to one instance of the Java programming language and may be used to deploy, among others, mobile applications, bespoke applications or web-based solutions.

· Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. Understand the principles of programming in Java
2. Be able to design Java solutions
3. Be able to implement Java solutions
4. Be able to test and document Java solutions.

Unit content

1         Understand the principles of programming in Java

Characteristics: Java Virtual Machine (JVM); Java platform; classed-based; object-oriented; compilers; class libraries; applications; applets; object models; enforced error handling; concurrency; threads, multi-platform

Reasons for choice of language: organisational policy; suitability of features and tools; availability of trained staff; reliability; development and maintenance costs; expandability

Object models: inheritance; polymorphism; encapsulation; public classes; private classes; public methods; private methods

Data structures: public instance variables; private instance variables; naming conventions; arrays (one-dimensional, two-dimensional); file structures; loops eg conditional (pre-check, post-check, break-points), fixed; conditional statements; case statements; logical operators; assignment statements; input statements; output statements

Data types: constants and literals; integer; floating point; byte; date; boolean; others eg character, string, small int; choice of data types eg additional validation, efficiency of storage

Environment: features eg interpreted, run time environment, system specific libraries

Programming syntax: features eg command rules, variable declaration, class/method declaration

Standards: features eg use of comments, code layout, indentation

2         Be able to design Java solutions

Requirements specification: overview eg inputs, outputs, processing, user interface; constraints eg hardware platforms, timescales for development; delivery environment eg mobile, hand-held, web based, desktop; interaction eg data exchange, compliance, compatibility, standards

Program design: tools eg structure diagrams, data flow diagrams, entity relationship models, flow charts, pseudo code, class diagrams, class responsibilities, collaboration cards; inheritance

Technical documentation: requirements specification; others as appropriate to language eg form design, flowcharts, pseudo code, structured English, action charts, data dictionary, class and instance diagrams

3         Be able to implement Java solutions

Classes: features eg identification attributes, methods, control of scope of attributes and methods, inheritance, aggregation, association, polymorphism

Programming: use of conventional language commands; use of library classes; pre-defined eg class libraries, downloaded, imported

Complexity: multiple classes; inheritance; reuse of objects; application of polymorphism

4         Be able to test and document Java solutions

Mechanisms: methods eg valid declarations, debugging code, checking naming conventions, checking functionality against requirements, error detection, error messages, compiler errors, runtime errors, in code response, dry running

Feedback: record feedback, eg surveys, questionnaire, interviews; analyze feedback; present results

Supportive documentation: test plan; test results; programmer guidance; user guidance

Review: design against specification requirements, interim reviews

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes   On successful completion of this unit a learner will	Assessment criteria for pass   The learner can
LO1 Understand the principles of programming in Java	discuss the principles, characteristics and features of programming in Javacritically evaluate the environmental flexibility of programming in Java
LO2 Be able to design Java solutions	design a Java programming solution to a given problemexplain the components and data and file structures required to implement a given design
LO3 Be able to implement Java solutions	implement a Java programming solution based on a prepared designdefine relationships between objects to implement design requirementsimplement object behaviours using control structures to meet the design algorithmsidentify and implement opportunities for error handling and reportingmake effective use of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) including code and screen templates
LO4 Be able to test and document Java solutions	critically review and test a Java programming solutionanalyse actual test results against expected results to identify discrepanciesevaluate independent feedback on a developed Java program solution and make recommendations for improvementscreate user documentation for the developed Java program solutioncreate technical documentation for the support and maintenance of a Java program solution.

Guidance

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications

The learning outcomes associated with this unit are closely linked with:

Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
Unit 6: Software Design and Development	Unit 18: Procedural Programming	Unit 39: Computer Games Design and Development
Unit 14: Event Driven Programming	Unit 19: Object Oriented Programming	Unit 40: Distributed Software Applications
Unit 15: Object Oriented Programming	Unit 20: Event Driven Programming Solutions	Unit 42: Programming in .NET
Unit 16: Procedural Programming	Unit 21: Software Applications Testing
	Unit 22: Office Solutions Development
	Unit 23: Mathematics for Software Development

This unit has links to the Level 4 and Level 5 National Occupational Standards for IT and Telecoms Professionals, particularly the areas of competence of:

• Software Development.