[Year 12 SofDev] Trace Tables

[Mark]

Hi Chris. It seems trace tables are closely related to but are not
identical to desk checks.

One site
<http://blog.teachbook.com.au/index.php/computer-science/software-development/trace-tables/>
I found says

- The [trace] table usually takes the form of a multi-column, multi-row
table; With each column showing a variable, and each row showing each
number input into the algorithm and the subsequent values of the variables.
- A Desk Check concentrates on the value of variables and the logic i.e.
what is the value of variable x after statement n; what is the next
statement to be executed? ... Desk checking is a manual (non-computerised)
technique for checking hte logic of an algorithm. The person performing the
desk check effectively acts as the computer, using pen and paper to record
results. The desk checker *carefully* follows the algorithm being careful
to rigidly adhere to the logic specified.
The page seems to treat desk checks as a subset of trace tables.

Another source
<http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/internet/_Documents/CSC_public/Computer_Science_Specifications_Booklet_pdf.pdf>
(try
p.19) looks more trustworthy, and says trace tables are a subset of desk
checks. It has useful examples.

Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trace_table> also has an example
of trace tables.

I'm not sure if that helps at all.

Mark


On 10 December 2015 at 09:49, Paragreen, Chris J <
paragreen.chris.j at edumail.vic.gov.au> wrote:

> Hi guys,
>
>
>
> The new Study Design makes reference to Trace Tables (U3O1K4). Does anyone
> know if this is meant to be the same as Desk Checking (which is not
> mentioned in the Study Design), or is it an alternative? Could a desk check
> count as a trace table?
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
>
> Chris
>
>
>
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-- 

Mark Kelly

mark at vceit.com
http://vceit.com
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