Lancaster University

Programming languages and their role, evolution and context. Common classifications of languages.
Procedural programming. Basic types and the use of constants and variables. Control flow, and making decisions through the use of conditionals. Repeating actions through iteration and recursion. Functions and procedures. Parameter passing, formal and actual parameters pass by reference and pass by value, return types. Scoping of variables, and procedures using namespaces. Exceptions and exception handling.
Compound data types including arrays, lists and structures. Linked data structures.
Modularity in programs: Scoping of variables and code through code blocks and namespaces. Use of well defined APIs and libraries in promoting scalable and reusable code. Principles of loose coupling and high cohesion. Introduction to OO programming. Objects, classes and inheritance.
Principles of best practice in software development, including the software development cycle, problem analysis, design formulation and the evaluation of design alternatives, literate programming and programming conventions, software commenting and documentation, testing and test case design, debugging techniques and regimen, version control.

This module aims to instil the knowledge, understanding and skills expected of a principled computer programmer. More specifically:

- To develop specific skills in writing, analysing, debugging, testing and documentation of computer programs
- To instil best practice of the day to day techniques associated with principled software development.
- To develop a practical understanding of the software development cycle and an awareness of the challenges faced by software developers in addressing scalability and complexity in computer software.
 

Computer programming is a highly practical skill, that fosters the development of a range of transferrable skills including:

- Applied problem solving
- Independent learning
- Structured reasoning and analysis
- The development of abstract thought