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A-LevelComputer ScienceSoftware development9618/12 · Oct/Nov 2024 · Q410 Marks

A program is written in a high-level language by a team of three programmers using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

  1. (a)Describe how the programmers can use the debugging features of a typical IDE during the development of the program.[4]
  2. (b)The programmers created a new program library whilst developing the program. Describe the benefits to the programmers of creating a program library.[3]
  3. (c)The file containing the final program code will be sent by email for beta testing. Identify one security method that can be used to protect the program code from unauthorised access during email transfer. Explain how your chosen method protects the program code. Security method Explanation[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [4] 1 mark for each bullet point (max 4) e.g. • Single stepping • Run the program one line at a time • ... and check the variable contents / program flow // show the effect of each line of code • Set breakpoints • ... run the code up to a set line • ... and then check the status • Variable/report watch window • ... view how the data changes as the program is running
  2. [3] 1 mark for each bullet point (max 3) e.g. • Subroutines can be shared / reused • ... between team members who are working independently • ... without having to rewrite/re-test them which saves the programmers' time • A program library provides continuity between programs/programmers • Individual programmers can contribute their specialisms to the library // Individual programmers can use the specialisms of others
  3. [3] 1 mark for the security method. 2 marks for explanation Security method: Encryption Explanation • File contents are converted to cipher text • If intercepted the data cannot be understood without the decryption key

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About this question

Topic
Software development, A-Level Computer Science (syllabus 9618). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
A-Level Computer Science, Oct/Nov 2024 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 4.

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