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Competency Objectives

1. Demonstrate understanding of computer programming including using object-based language (e.g., Visual Basic).

2. Create computer programs and learn how to debug programs, apply Boolean logic, use selection mechanisms, and create arrays.

3. Demonstrate understanding of other programming languages (e.g., mobile, web).

Purpose of This Assessment

This competency prepares students to program, develop, debug and troubleshoot modern computer programs using the Visual Basic programming language. Students will learn how to use conditional statements, loops, and error checking logic. The final assessment for this competency is to create a computer program that includes debugging, Boolean logic, selecting mechanisms, and arrays. You will use Microsoft Visual Studio to create a Visual Basic application that will help a hypothetical friend with tracking his inventory.

Step 1: Preparation

• Review the material in this competency to ensure that you have an accurate understanding of what your computer program should accomplish.
• Read and think about the following scenario:
  • Bob, a close friend, owns a bookstore. For years he has kept track of all his inventory manually, using index cards and paper filing systems. Bob has asked you to develop a simple program that he can use to track his book inventory.
• You will need a PC and the Microsoft Visual Studio software to complete this assignment. If you have not done so already, visit Microsoft DreamSpark and follow the steps to download the latest version of Visual Studio, which is available at no cost for students and your account will be valid for 12 months.

Step 2: Build the Program

Build the program and make sure to address all of the following requirements:

Search Tab

First, create a search tab that includes the ability to search by:

• Author
• Title
• Genre (drop-down)
• ISBN

The search tab may include additional features; for example, a user message indicating if the item was found.

Data-Entry Screen

Create a second tab for a data entry screen that contains text fields to browse, edit, and add new books by:

• Author(s)
• Title
• Genre
• ISBN
• Quantity
• Price

Buttons

The data entry screen should include functional buttons that include the ability to:

• Add : Allows you to add a new record
• Delete: Allows you to delete a record. A confirmation message should prompt after hitting the delete button which allows you to cancel or continue with the deletion
• Modify: Allows you to modify any existing record being displayed
• First: Move to the first record
• Last : Move to the last record
• Next : Move to the next record. The next button should continuously loop through the recordset in the forward direction. If the end of the recordset is reached, the next button should restart at the beginning.
• Previous: Move back to the previous record. Similar to the next button, the previous button should continuously loop through the recordset in the backwards direction. If the beginning of the recordset is reached, the previous button should return to the end of the recordset.

Additional Requirements:

• The application should use arrays, loops and conditional statements.
• When entering a "new" record, all fields should be required. If any fields have been left blank, an error message should notify the user which field(s) should be completed.
• The program should be free of grammatical and/or spelling errors.

Step 3: Document the Program

• The program should be thoroughly documented with comments to indicate functionality. See this example for reference: MSDN: Comments in Code (Visual Basic)

Step 4: Test the Program Functionality

• Thoroughly test the program for bugs and functionality. Test the function of your code by feeding it inputs (button presses, data entry, search input) and examining the output. Document any issues you encounter and the solution you use to correct the problem.

Step 5: Complete Checklist

Did you...

• Create an operable computer program with all of the required components that will help someone keep track of their book inventory?
• Include a functional search tab that allows users to search by Author, Title, Genre (should be drop-down), and ISBN?
• Consider and include additional features that add to the functionality of your computer program?
• Include a data-entry tab which includes the required fields and buttons (Author(s), Title, Genre, ISBN, Quantity, and Price) to browse, edit and add new books?
• Include all required buttons (Add, Delete, Modify, First, Last, Next, Previous) in the data-entry tab and ensure all buttons function properly?
• Correctly use arrays, loops, and conditional statements?
• Create an error message so that blank fields result correctly in an error message?
• Thoroughly document the program with comments to indicate functionality and are helpful for describing the program flow and functionality?
• Ensure that your computer program uses accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation?