Home Memorise Flashcards Notes Master answers Past questions Multiple choice Mock exam Practice & marker

Software Engineering › Flashcards › The Object-Oriented Paradigm (Year 11)

The Object-Oriented Paradigm (Year 11)

34 flashcards (Year 11). Study these as flip cards Random

Key OOP features

Object-oriented programming (OOP) Term

A paradigm that organises a program as objects, created from classes, that hold data (attributes) and behaviour (methods) and communicate by passing messages.

Example: Contrast: procedural = a list of subroutines acting on separate data; OOP = objects that own their data and methods.

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Match OOP features to descriptions
Short answer: Compare procedural programming with OOP

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Class Term

A blueprint or template that defines the attributes and methods shared by all objects of one kind.

Example: 'class Student:' defines the template; each student is an object.

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: class diagram box (name, attributes, methods)
Python: class definition
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Object Term

A single instance of a class with its own attribute values and the ability to run the class's methods.

Example: 's1 = Student("Ava")' creates an object.

Where you would use it in the test

Python: create an object
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.

Related past questions: 2025 HSC Q22 (3 marks): Modelling tools

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Attribute Term

A variable that belongs to an object and stores its data or state (name, age, balance).

Example: 'self.balance = 0' stores an attribute.

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: middle section of the class box
Python: Python question: write or complete it in the online Python tool.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Method Term

A subroutine that belongs to a class and defines what its objects can do (deposit, display, calculate).

Example: 'def deposit(self, amount):' is a method.

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: bottom section of the class box
Python: Python question: write or complete it in the online Python tool.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Constructor (init) Term

A special method that runs when an object is created and sets its starting attribute values (in Python it is __init__).

Example: 'def __init__(self, name): self.name = name'

Where you would use it in the test

Python: Write a class with __init__
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Check this one: The syllabus says implement OOP code but does not name constructors; Python classes need __init__ so it is a safe code-pattern card.

Encapsulation Term

Bundling an object's data and the methods that use it together in a class and restricting direct access to the data (private attributes, accessed through methods) so it stays valid and secure.

Example: 'Make balance private and change it only through deposit() so it cannot be set to a negative number directly.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Short answer: Explain how encapsulation protects data
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Abstraction (in OOP) Term

Hiding complex implementation detail and exposing only what is needed, so a user calls account.deposit() without knowing how it works.

Example: 'The class hides how interest is calculated; the user just calls addInterest().'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Inheritance Term

A subclass (child) automatically gets the attributes and methods of a superclass (parent) and can add or change its own, giving code reuse. It models an 'is-a' relationship.

Example: 'Student inherits name and age from Person; the arrow points from Student to Person.'

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: inheritance arrow on a class diagram
Python: class Child(Parent)
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Generalisation Term

Moving the features shared by several classes up into a common superclass (Student and Teacher generalised as Person). The 2025 marker note: refine attributes into separate inherited classes.

Example: 'Common attributes go in the superclass; unique ones stay in each subclass.'

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: class diagram (2025 Q22 and sample Q24)
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Superclass and subclass Term

A superclass is the parent class that supplies shared features; a subclass is a child class that inherits them and adds its own.

Example: 'Dog is a subclass of Animal.'

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: class diagram
Python: class Child(Parent)
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Polymorphism Term

Different classes provide their own version of the same method name, so one call behaves differently depending on the object.

Example: 'speak() prints Woof for Dog and Meow for Cat.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Python: override a method
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Method overriding Term

A subclass supplies its own version of a method it inherited, replacing the parent's version; the way polymorphism is coded.

Example: 'Cat.speak() overrides Animal.speak().'

Where you would use it in the test

Python: Python question: write or complete it in the online Python tool.
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Check this one: Not named in the syllabus; it is how polymorphism is shown in Python code.

Message passing Term

Objects communicate by calling each other's methods (sending a message with parameters and receiving a return value).

Example: 'order.addItem(item) sends the message addItem to the order object.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Investigate how OOP languages handle message passing
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Procedural programming v OOP Term

Procedural: a program is a sequence of subroutines working on shared data. OOP: data and the methods that act on it are grouped into objects, giving encapsulation, reuse through inheritance and easier maintenance.

Example: Compare pattern: 'Procedural uses functions on separate data whereas OOP keeps the data and methods together in objects.'

Where you would use it in the test

Short answer: Compare procedural programming with OOP
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Design process and collaboration

Task definition Term

The first design step: clearly stating the problem to be solved, its purpose, inputs and outputs, before planning the code.

Example: 'Task definition: the program must accept three marks and display the average.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Facade pattern Term

A design pattern where a simple class provides one easy interface that hides a complex set of subsystem classes behind it.

Example: 'A OrderFacade class calls the Stock, Payment and Delivery classes for the user.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Describe the facade pattern
Drawing: class diagram

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Agility Term

The ability to respond quickly to changing requirements by working in short iterations with frequent feedback (the Agile approach).

Example: 'An agile team delivers a working feature each sprint.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Related past questions: 2025 HSC Q2 (1 mark): Software development approaches

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Consistency (collaboration) Term

Using the same naming, layout and coding standards across the team so everyone can read and change the code.

Example: 'Use snake_case for every variable.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Multi-select: Features that support collaborative development
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Related past questions: Sample exam Q4 (1 mark): Collaboration

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Code commenting Term

Short explanations in the code that say what it does and why, so other developers and your future self can understand and maintain it.

Example: '# calculate GST for each item'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Multi-select: Multi-select: you tick every correct option, so know all its features or goals.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Python: Python question: write or complete it in the online Python tool.

Related past questions: Sample exam Q4 (1 mark): Collaboration

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Version control Term

A system (such as Git) that records every change to the code with who and when, supports branches and merging and allows rollback, so teams can work together safely.

Example: 'Git history lets the team revert to the last working version.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Multi-select: Collaboration features (sample Q4)
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Related past questions: Sample exam Q4 (1 mark): Collaboration

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Feedback (code review) Term

Colleagues or testers review code and comment so errors are found early and quality improves.

Example: 'A pull request review catches a logic error.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Multi-select: Multi-select: you tick every correct option, so know all its features or goals.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Related past questions: Sample exam Q4 (1 mark): Collaboration

Memorise: Object-oriented concepts

Writing and testing OOP code

Clear and uncluttered mainline Term

A mainline that only calls well-named subroutines or methods in order, so the overall flow is easy to follow.

Example: Keep the mainline to a few calls; put detail in subroutines.

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Multi-select: Multi-select: you tick every correct option, so know all its features or goals.
Pseudocode: Pseudocode question: use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
Python: Python question: write or complete it in the online Python tool.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

One logical task per subroutine Term

Each subroutine does a single clear job, which makes it reusable, testable and easier to fix.

Example: 'calculateTotal() only calculates; displayTotal() only displays.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Pseudocode: Pseudocode question: use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
Python: Python question: write or complete it in the online Python tool.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Stub Term

A simple placeholder subroutine, which usually returns a fixed value, standing in for code not yet written so the rest of the program can be tested.

Example: 'getRate() returns 0.1 until the real rate lookup is finished.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Ease of maintenance Term

How simply code can be corrected or updated later; helped by comments, meaningful names, modular subroutines and version control.

Example: Use it to justify modular code in an evaluate or justify answer.

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Regular backup Term

Making frequent copies of code and data (ideally off-site or in the cloud) so work can be restored after loss or corruption.

Example: 'Push the code to a repository each day.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Unit testing Term

Testing one subroutine, method or class on its own to check it works as intended.

Example: 'Test calculateGST() with several inputs.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Subsystem testing Term

Testing a group of modules that work together as a subsystem, checking their interfaces and data passing.

Example: Between unit and system testing.

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Check this one: Not found word-for-word in the supplied syllabus, specifications, marking guidelines or notes; the definition is standard computing knowledge, so check it against your class notes.

System testing Term

Testing the complete, integrated system against the requirements.

Example: 'System test: the whole app runs end to end.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Black box testing Term

Testing inputs against expected outputs with no knowledge of the internal code.

Example: 'The tester only sees what goes in and what comes out.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Compare black box and white box

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

White box testing Term

Testing with full knowledge of the internal code, designing tests to run every path, branch and loop.

Example: 'The developer checks every branch of the IF statement.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Grey box testing Term

Testing with partial knowledge of the internals, a mix of black box and white box.

Example: 'The tester knows the database design but not the code.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

Quality assurance Term

Planned processes that check the software meets quality criteria (functionality, performance, readability, documentation) during development, not just at the end.

Example: 'QA includes code review, testing and standards.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Memorise: Testing and code quality (Year 11)

← Programming Fundamentals (Year 11)Programming Mechatronics (Year 11) →

The Object-Oriented Paradigm (Year 11)

Key OOP features

Object-oriented programming (OOP) Term

Class Term

Object Term

Attribute Term

Method Term

Constructor (__init__) Term

Encapsulation Term

Abstraction (in OOP) Term

Inheritance Term

Generalisation Term

Superclass and subclass Term

Polymorphism Term

Method overriding Term

Message passing Term

Procedural programming v OOP Term

Design process and collaboration

Task definition Term

Facade pattern Term

Agility Term

Consistency (collaboration) Term

Code commenting Term

Version control Term

Feedback (code review) Term

Writing and testing OOP code

Clear and uncluttered mainline Term

One logical task per subroutine Term

Stub Term

Ease of maintenance Term

Regular backup Term

Unit testing Term

Subsystem testing Term

System testing Term

Black box testing Term

White box testing Term

Grey box testing Term

Quality assurance Term

Constructor (init) Term