Midterm Questions

1. What is the difference between locking and non-locking when talking about version control?

Locking only allows one person to check out a file and work on it. Non-locking allows multiple developers to check out the same file and make changes.

2. Name one advantage of non-locking over locking.

The problem of a user taking out a lock and forgetting to return the file by unlocking it is eliminated.

3. What is the difference between white box and black box testing?

In white box testing, a tester uses an internal perspective of a system to develop test cases based on the internal structure. In black box testing, a tester only has an external perspective of a system and chooses valid/invalid inputs and ensures the correct output is returned.

4. What is the difference between the Codeline policy of an Active Development Line and a Release Line?

For an Active Development Line, progress is slightly favored over stability. For a Release Line, stability is favored over progress.

5. List two distribution terms that Open Source software must comply with. Provide a brief explanation of each.

Free Redistribution - The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The license shall not require a royalty or other fee for such sale.

Derived Works - The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.

6. Explain one reason that Open Source software has been successful and popular with developers.

Community - Having a common source code pool and the tools provided by the Internet creates an opportunity for extensive and speedy collaboration on development projects.

7. What is wrong with the following statement?
import java.util.*;

Using the “*” in an import statement is a violation of coding standards. You should explicitly import each class that you use from other packages because it is an important form of documentation for those reading your code.

8. List at least two things you should do before asking a technical question by email, newsgroup, or website chat board.

1) Try to find an answer by searching the Web.
2) Try to find an answer by reading the manual.

9. Does a high percentage in a coverage report ensure the quality of your code? Explain your answer.

No, a high percentage in a coverage report can expose code that has not been adequately tested, but it cannot guarantee the quality of your code. You need to ensure that your tests are thorough and adequate enough to ensure the quality of your code.

10. Why is it important to get developer buy-in when implementing coding standards?

It is important to get developers to buy-in when implementing coding standards so they understand the importance of the standards and are more likely to follow them. Providing the reasoning behind each rule can encourage adoption of the rules.