Producing Robust Programs Quiz

Failing gracefully means that when an error or issue occurs, the program doesn’t crash but instead handles the error in a way that is user-friendly. For example, displaying an informative error message rather than causing the program to shut down unexpectedly.

Edge cases are unusual or extreme inputs that might not be handled properly by the program (e.g., entering an empty string or extremely large numbers). Failing to account for edge cases can cause the program to behave unexpectedly, breaking its robustness.

A test case is a set of conditions and inputs used to test whether a program functions as expected. Test cases help identify errors, bugs, or unexpected behaviours, and they are crucial for ensuring that the program works in all scenarios.

Compile-time errors occur when there is a syntax issue or incorrect code structure, preventing the program from compiling. Runtime errors happen while the program is running and are typically caused by unexpected inputs or actions, such as dividing by zero or referencing a non-existent file.

Meaningful variable names make the code more readable and easier to understand. When the purpose of a variable is clear from its name, it reduces the likelihood of errors and makes it easier for programmers to maintain and debug the program.

A user-friendly error message clearly explains what went wrong and, if possible, how the user can fix it. This is important in robust programs because it helps users understand and resolve issues without confusion, making the program more reliable.

Input validation ensures that the data provided by the user is valid and within the expected range before the program processes it. For example, if a program expects a number, input validation can ensure that only numbers are entered, preventing errors such as crashes or incorrect calculations.

A bug is an error or flaw in the program that causes incorrect behaviour. Bugs can affect the robustness of the program by causing crashes, incorrect outputs, or inefficient operation, so identifying and fixing bugs is essential for ensuring reliability.

Code refactoring involves improving the structure of existing code without changing its functionality. It is important for maintaining a robust program because it helps keep the code clean, efficient, and easier to maintain or extend, reducing the risk of future errors.

Modular programming involves breaking the program into smaller, independent sections (modules), each responsible for a specific task. This approach helps with debugging, testing, and maintaining a program, as issues can be isolated and fixed within individual modules, making the program more robust overall.