Lesson 8 – Programming & Application Development Fundamentals

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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.
COMPTIA ITF+ Lesson 8 Advanced Quiz

Lesson 8 Quiz: Software Development & Programming Basics

10 questions. Mix of single-choice and multi-select. Score ≥ 75% to unlock the next lesson button.

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🧠 Advanced Quiz

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Question 1
Which best describes an algorithm?
Single
Correct: B. An algorithm is a structured set of steps (logic) used to solve a problem — often written in plain English or flowcharts before coding.
Question 2
What does a compiler typically do?
Single
Correct: C. A compiler translates source code into an executable form (machine code or intermediate code) before running.
Question 3
Select ALL examples of a data type.
Multi
Correct: A, C, D. Integer, Boolean, and String are data types. A loop is a control structure, not a type.
Question 4
What is the main purpose of a variable?
Single
Correct: A. Variables hold data (numbers, text, true/false, etc.) so code can reuse and modify it.
Question 5
Which code pattern most strongly indicates a loop?
Single
Correct: D. for/while keywords indicate repeating a block of code.
Question 6
Select ALL that are true about functions.
Multi
Correct: B, C. Functions are reusable code blocks; they can accept parameters and return values.
Question 7
Which best describes an API in plain English?
Single
Correct: B. APIs are “rules + endpoints” that let software talk to other software (often via HTTP requests).
Question 8
Which is the best example of an API call?
Single
Correct: A. An HTTP request to an endpoint (GET/POST/etc.) is an API call.
Question 9
Select ALL stages that commonly appear in the SDLC.
Multi
Correct: A, D. SDLC includes phases like planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
Question 10
What’s a key difference between compiled and interpreted code?
Single
Correct: C. Compilers translate code before execution; interpreters translate at runtime (often line-by-line or JIT).
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Multi-select questions require selecting all correct and only correct options to get credit.

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