← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

The design stage

The second PDLC stage: plan the solution in detail using decomposition, structure diagrams, flowcharts and pseudocode, before any program code is written.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7a Program Development Life Cycle — Module 8, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Pseudocode and Algorithm Design — Module 13

Understanding The design stage in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: The analysis requirement (add up marks and output the total) is turned into a detailed design step in pseudocode. Pseudocode lays out the steps and the loop before coding begins, so the programmer can turn it into real code easily. After analysis, the solution is planned in the design stage. Coding comes after design, and testing comes after coding. Different design methods are different ways of showing the same plan. Pseudocode uses text and a flowchart uses shapes. A detailed plan means the programmer knows what to write. Programs still need testing, however good the design is. A structure diagram is a design tool. It shows the result of decomposition and is drawn in the design stage.

Common mistakes: Keywords in Cambridge pseudocode must be written in capital letters. The line should be INPUT Mark2. A WHILE loop header ends with DO, not THEN (THEN belongs to IF). It should be WHILE Count < 5 DO.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–16) and word search (Modules 1–26).

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Learning
Duo
Which stage of the PDLC comes straight after analysis?
TestingDesign
Matches
Stage 2 (Design): write the program code in Python
↓
Writing program code belongs to the coding stage (stage 3), not the design stage. Design only plans the solution.
Applying
Meanings
Term
Design stage
Meaning
The second PDLC stage: plan the solution in detail using decomposition, structure diagrams, flowcharts and pseudocode, before any program code is written.
Practice
// Design stage: plan before coding
Testing
Gaps
// Stage 2 of the PDLC:
Check Answer
Spots
2INPUT Mark1
3Input Mark2

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Quick Questions

1. Which stage of the PDLC comes straight after analysis?
A. Testing
B. Design ✓
After analysis, the solution is planned in the design stage. Coding comes after design, and testing comes after coding.
2. Which task belongs to the design stage?
A. Drawing a flowchart of the solution ✓
B. Writing the final program code
Flowcharts are design tools. Writing the actual program code is done in the coding stage.
3. What does the design stage use as its starting point?
A. The results of the analysis stage ✓
B. The results of the testing stage
Design uses what analysis found out, such as the requirements, inputs, processes and outputs. Testing comes later.
4. A student writes pseudocode to plan an algorithm. Which stage is this?
A. Coding
B. Design ✓
Pseudocode is a design method. It plans the solution without being real program code in a programming language.
5. Which statement about design methods is correct?
A. A flowchart and pseudocode can show the same solution in different ways ✓
B. A flowchart and pseudocode must describe two different solutions
Different design methods are different ways of showing the same plan. Pseudocode uses text and a flowchart uses shapes.

Match the Pairs

Design stage → The second stage of the PDLC, where the solution is planned in detail before any program code is written
Structure diagram → A design method that shows a problem broken down into smaller sub-problems in a hierarchy
Design uses the results of analysis: the requirements say what the program must do, and the design plans how to do it → Requirement: add up 3 marks and OUTPUT the total Design: Total <- Mark1 + Mark2 + Mark3
Pseudocode is a design method that plans the solution in a form close to program code, so coding is easier → FOR Count <- 1 TO 5 INPUT Mark NEXT Count
Stage 2 (Design): write the program code in Python → Writing program code belongs to the coding stage (stage 3), not the design stage. Design only plans the solution.
Design stage: find out what the user needs and list the requirements → Finding out what the user needs and listing requirements is the analysis stage (stage 1), not design.

Key Term

Design stage
The second PDLC stage: plan the solution in detail using decomposition, structure diagrams, flowcharts and pseudocode, before any program code is written.

Fill in the Blanks

1. // Stage 2 of the PDLC: Design
Hint: Type the name of the second stage of the life cycle, where the solution is planned.
2. // Design uses the results of analysis
Hint: Type the stage that comes before design and provides the requirements.
3. // Design with pseudocode or a flowchart
Hint: Type the text-based design method that looks like code but is not a real programming language.
4. // Decomposition splits a problem into parts
Hint: Type the design technique that breaks a problem into smaller sub-problems.
5. // A good design makes coding easier
Hint: Type the next stage that becomes easier when the design is clear.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A // Design: average of 2 marks
B INPUT Mark1
C Input Mark2
D Average ← (Mark1 + Mark2) / 2
E OUTPUT Average
Line C — Keywords in Cambridge pseudocode must be written in capital letters. The line should be INPUT Mark2.
Question 2
A // Design stage plan
B DECLARE Count : INTEGER
C Count ← 0
D WHILE Count < 5 THEN
E Count ← Count + 1
F ENDWHILE
Line D — A WHILE loop header ends with DO, not THEN (THEN belongs to IF). It should be WHILE Count < 5 DO.
Question 3
A // Design: check age
B READ Age
C IF Age >= 16 THEN
D OUTPUT "Allowed"
E ENDIF
Line B — Cambridge pseudocode uses the keyword INPUT to get a value from the user, not READ. It should be INPUT Age.
Question 4
A // Design is before analysis
B // Plan with flowcharts
C // Then write the code
D // Then test the program
Line A — Design is the second PDLC stage, so it comes after analysis. The design uses the analysis results. It should say Design is after analysis.
Question 5
A // Requirement: sum 1 to 10
B Total ← 0
C FOR Count ← 1 UNTIL 10
D Total ← Total + Count
E NEXT Count
F OUTPUT Total
Line C — A FOR loop uses TO to give the end value (UNTIL belongs to REPEAT). It should be FOR Count ← 1 TO 10.

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