[Year 12 SofDev] Validation naming

[Don Morelli (Optus)]

I would agree with Brett that existence checking is actually to test if the
input exists(i.e. null). This has always been the definition as far as I am
aware. Again I agree with Brett that testing against a limited list is an
extension of what we normally would say is range checking (checking against
a range of values). If the application is checking to see that a file
exists, you are still comparing a filename against a list of filenames
(limited list). It does not matter if the actual command to do it has the
word "exist" as part of it (fileexists or something like that).

However, Mark's point WE NEED A GLOSSARY of accepted definitions is vital
and I don't understand why it can't happen. It  would at the least ensure
that the examiners are using terms where they and teachers have the same
understanding as to what they mean. The more subjective type of definitions,
based on our own understandings of terms, only disadvantages students.

Paula, we know that you monitor the lists so why can't we have a list of
definitions?

Cheers and merry Christmas

Don

 

From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au]
On Behalf Of Mark KELLY
Sent: Tuesday, 14 December 2010 12:00 PM
To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: [Year 12 SofDev] Validation naming

 

Hi campers.  A little audience participation question. Validation types in
the study design are:

*	existence checking
*	range checking
*	type checking

The 2010 SD exam <http://postmortems/2010sd/SD2010exam.htm#c4>  decided to
muddy the waters by describing these validation tests:

Existence - to make sure that the number entered exists on Medicare's
database
Null - to make sure something has been entered

Now, I've always read "existence" as "has a value been entered?" (like
"Null" in the exam question).

How many of you good folk refer to existence testing as "existence in a
limited list", and how many would equate existence testing as null testing?

If you agree that the exam's terminology is unconventional, I am a bit
concerned about it being used in an exam where it could confuse students who
were taught the conventional interpretation.

Now I'm even doubtful about what the study design means by "existence
checking" - does it mean "null checking"?

Have a happy winding-down time, if you're luck enough to have one!

-- 
Mark Kelly
ICT Manager
Reporting Manager
IT Learning Area Manager

McKinnon Secondary College
McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204
Victoria, Australia
Direct line / Voicemail: +613 8520 9085
Fax +613 9578 9253
kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

VCE IT Lecture Notes: http://vceit.com
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