Software Development & Programming Basics

COMPTIA ITF+ Lesson 8 Software Development & Programming Basics

Lesson 8: Software Development & Programming Basics

Learn how software is built: algorithms, source code, compiled vs interpreted, and the core building blocks of programming—plus how applications use APIs to communicate.

Algorithm = steps to solve a problem Variables store values Conditionals make decisions Loops repeat actions Functions reuse logic API = app-to-app communication

1) What is programming?

Programming is writing instructions that a computer can follow. Those instructions are written in a programming language (like Python, JavaScript, C#, or Java). An application is a program built for users.

2) Algorithms

An algorithm is a step-by-step process used to solve a problem. Before you write code, you should be able to explain the logic in plain English.

Example: login algorithm
1) Ask for username
2) Ask for password
3) Compare to stored values
4) If they match → allow access; else → deny

3) Source code vs machine code

Source code is human-readable instructions. Computers ultimately execute machine code (binary). A compiler or interpreter translates your source code into something the system can run.

4) Compiled vs interpreted

Compiled: translated ahead of time (often faster at runtime). Example: C/C++.
Interpreted: translated as it runs (often easier to test quickly). Example: Python/JavaScript.

5) Core programming building blocks

These concepts show up in almost every language:

Variables & data types

A variable stores a value. A data type describes what kind of value it is (number, text, true/false).

Variables
age = 18
name = “Jordan”
isMember = true

Conditionals (IF / ELSE)

A conditional lets code make decisions: if something is true, do one thing; otherwise, do another.

Conditional
if age >= 18:
print(“Adult”)
else:
print(“Minor”)

Loops (FOR / WHILE)

A loop repeats actions—either a set number of times (FOR) or until a condition changes (WHILE).

Loop
for i in range(5):
print(“Hello”)

Functions

A function is reusable code that performs a task. It can take input and return output.

Function
function add(a, b) {
return a + b;
}

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

An API is a structured way for one application to request data or actions from another application (often over HTTP). Example: a weather app requests the forecast; a website requests payment authorization.

SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)

Software is built in stages: plan, design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain. Understanding SDLC helps you troubleshoot, document, and communicate clearly in IT.

ITF+ mindset: You don’t need to become a programmer to benefit from this lesson. If you can read basic code and recognize variables/conditionals/loops/functions, you’ll troubleshoot apps and systems faster.

🔧 Practical: Programming Concepts Sorter

For each snippet, choose the BEST match: Variable, Conditional, Loop, Function, or API call.

Concept Choices 0/10 answered

Tip: look for if/else, for/while, return, GET/POST

age = 18

Stores a value under a name.

if (temp > 212) { alert(‘Boiling’); }

Decision-making based on true/false.

for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) { console.log(i); }

Repeatedly runs a block.

function add(a, b) { return a + b; }

Reusable logic with inputs/outputs.

GET https://api.weather.com/v1/forecast?zip=53703

App requesting data from another service.

username = “mchiapete”

Name → value mapping.

while (downloadsRemaining > 0) { downloadsRemaining–; }

Repeats until condition becomes false.

if (isAdmin) { allowAccess(); } else { denyAccess(); }

Two possible paths.

function sanitize(input) { return input.trim(); }

Takes input, returns cleaned output.

POST /login { username: ‘sam’, password: ‘••••’ }

Q10

Sending data to a server endpoint.

Goal: Hit 8/10 or better. Then you’re ready to recognize code structure in scripts, configs, and logs.

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Quick self-check

Can you explain what an API is in one sentence?
Can you spot a loop by looking for repetition?
Do you know the difference between a variable and a function?

🧠 Lesson 8 Quiz (10 Questions)

Pass at 75% (8/10) to unlock the next lesson. Progress is saved to this device only.

0/10 answered Goal: 8/10

Progress: not saved yet.

What is the best description of a compiler?

An algorithm is best described as:

Which option best matches an interpreted language?

A variable is:

What is the main purpose of a conditional (IF/ELSE)?

A loop is used to:

What is a key benefit of using functions?

An API is best described as:

In the SDLC, what is the main purpose of the testing phase?

Q10

Which statement is TRUE about source code?

Goal: Answer all 10, then click Grade Quiz. You pass at 8/10.

➡️ Next Lesson

Score 8/10 or better to unlock the next lesson button.

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