Software Engineering › Key terms › Y11 Programming Fundamentals › Development
Development
Process Y11 Programming Fundamentals
Definition
Writing the code that implements the design in the chosen language, following the algorithms and good coding practice (comments, naming, modular subroutines).
Example: Development turns the design into working code.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.
Question types it can appear in
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.
- Python: Write the code from a design
- Pseudocode: Write the algorithm
Where it has appeared in the paper
The Software Engineering Project (Part B); Secure Software Architecture (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- Sample exam Q21b (5 marks): Python: subroutines, lists, loops The Software Engineering Project (Part B) · 5 marks
- 2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 3 marks
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: Development in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
- Memorise: Software development steps and algorithm design
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
“Writing the code that implements the design in the chosen language, following the algorithms and good coding practice (comments, naming, modular subroutines).” Then apply it: Development turns the design into working code.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Technique for the question types
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose the right word from a list; use exact syllabus terms.
- Python: Write code that runs: indentation, quotes, define functions before calling them, print the required output, meet every listed requirement.
- Pseudocode: Write HSC-style pseudocode: capital keywords, paired END words, indentation; initialise variables; output the required result.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
The key is the modulus: subjects[(period - day) % 5]. (The MG sample lists 'Art' where the question has 'Sport' - the program is meant to work with any five subjects.)
Marker feedback: process string inputs; use a selection structure; code must execute in the environment; use correct indentation; call functions in the main program after defining them.
Worked answers from the marking guidelines
Sample exam Q21b (5 marks): Python: subroutines, lists, loops (5 marks): criteria and sample answer
Criteria
5: Substantially correct Python program that places each subject in the correct period; displays all 5 days; provides appropriate subroutines; programmatically builds the timetable. 4: Most requirements. 3: Some requirements. 2: One requirement. 1: Some understanding.
Sample answer
subjects = ["English", "Software", "Drama", "Science", "Art"] NUM_DAYS = 5 NUM_PERIODS = 5 DAYS_OF_WEEK = ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday"]
def create_timetable(subjects): timetable = [] for day in range(NUM_DAYS): periods = [] for period in range(NUM_PERIODS): periods.append(subjects[(period - day) % NUM_PERIODS]) timetable.append(periods) return timetable
def print_timetable(timetable): print() for day in range(NUM_DAYS): print(f"{DAYS_OF_WEEK[day]}") for period in range(NUM_PERIODS): print(f"\tPeriod {period+1}: {timetable[day][period]}") print()
timetable = create_timetable(subjects) print_timetable(timetable)
2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) (3 marks): criteria and sample answer
Criteria
3: Correct code for the problem. 2: Partially correct code that includes a correct selection structure OR password creation. 1: Some understanding of the scenario and Python.
Sample answer
uName = input('What is your username?') password = input('What is your password?') passwordP1 = uName[:3] passwordP1= passwordP1 + '123' if passwordP1 == password: print ('Welcome!') else: print ('Incorrect password entered')
Common mistakes
- Python questions (2025 HSC exam Q19): process string inputs; use a selection structure; code must execute in the environment; use correct indentation; call functions in the main program after defining them.
- Python questions (2025 HSC exam Q26): replicate the grid; use the random library; use selection and looping to access the list; include a method of checking the number of values; use meaningful variable names and constants; avoid overly complex structures such as nested IF loops.
- Pseudocode questions (2025 HSC exam Q17): use pseudocode control structures accurately; iterate an array and sum it; apply relational operators correctly; use the stimulus to choose the right structures.
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Software development steps (the order) · Requirements definition · Determining specifications · Design · Integration · Testing and debugging · Installation · Maintenance · Online code collaboration tools