Python lesson 24: Project: your own program + course check

What your child will learn

We are learning to plan, build and test a program of my own.

Success looks like

• I can plan, build and test a program of my own.
• I can choose tests, including edge cases.
• I can explain my program to someone else.

Key words

plan · decompose · test · edge case · evaluate

What to have ready

• A device with a web browser (the code runs in the browser – nothing to install)
• Paper for tracing
• A keyboard helps for typing code (a tablet or phone works too)

The big ideas (for the adult)

Choose a small idea, then write the steps in plain words before you code.

Build it one step at a time, running it after each step.

Test it with normal, edge and unusual inputs, then explain it to someone – with clear names and comments.

Worked example

name = "Raj"
count = 0
for c in name:
    count = count + 1
print(name.upper(), count)

It prints:

RAJ 3

The lesson, step by step

Checklist for the project (teacher or parent)

The questions in this lesson are marked by Classfern. The program your child makes at the end is judged by you, with this checklist – it is not marked by computer. For each line, choose the description that fits best.

• Planning: the steps were written down before coding
  No plan → Some steps written → A clear plan that was followed
• It works: the program does what the plan says
  Does not run → Runs, with some bugs → Works for normal inputs → Works for normal and edge inputs
• Testing: different inputs were tried, including edge cases
  Not tested → Tested once → Several tests, including an edge case
• Readable: clear variable names and helpful comments
  Hard to follow → Mostly clear → Clear names and comments throughout