Training activity information
Details
Develop software in different programming languages using compiled, interpreted and markup languages
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Programming languages, including benefits and limitations
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the fundamental differences between compiled, interpreted, and markup languages? What specific languages are you expected to use or demonstrate?
- What practical experience do you hope to gain in working with different types of programming languages? What insights do you expect to gain into the strengths and weaknesses of each type of language? How will this DTA enhance your versatility as a software developer?
- Which specific compiled, interpreted, and markup languages will you choose to work with? What small projects or tasks will you undertake in each language to familiarise yourself with their syntax and paradigms? What resources will you use to support your learning in these different languages? How do you feel about the prospect of working with multiple programming languages?
In action
- Pay attention to your coding actions in each language.
- How are you currently approaching the task of developing software using compiled, interpreted, and markup languages?
- What specific languages are you using and why did you choose them for this exercise?
- What decisions are you making regarding syntax, data structures, and the overall program flow in each language?
- What aspects of coding in each language feel intuitive based on your prior experience, and what requires more conscious effort in understanding the language’s specific features and paradigms?
- How effective are your current coding approaches in achieving the desired functionality in each of the chosen language types?
- What challenges are you facing as you switch between different programming paradigms and language syntaxes (e.g., remembering specific commands, handling type differences)?
- What can you learn about the strengths and weaknesses of compiled, interpreted, and markup languages through this hands-on development experience?
- How does this multi-language development activity connect to your understanding of programming language theory and your previous coding experiences?
- Are there alternative languages within each category (compiled, interpreted, markup) that you could have considered?
- What might be the advantages or disadvantages of using those instead?
- What resources (e.g., language documentation, online communities) are you relying on in the moment to navigate the specifics of each language?
- Are you ensuring that your code in each language adheres to the common best practices and conventions for that specific language?
On action
- Identify the compiled, interpreted, and markup languages you used. What specific software did you develop in each? Note the key differences you observed in the development process for each type of language. Summarise any challenges you faced in switching between different programming paradigms.
- What are the key distinctions between compiled, interpreted, and markup languages in a practical development context?
- How did the characteristics of each language influence the way you approached software development?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using each type of language for different tasks?
- How has this experience broadened your understanding of software development using diverse technologies?
- In what situations might you choose to use a compiled, interpreted, or markup language in future projects?
- Are there other programming languages of each type that you would like to learn?
- How will you continue to develop your skills in working with multiple programming languages?
Beyond action
- Have you reflected on your experience of developing software in different types of programming languages?
- How has your understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of compiled, interpreted, and markup languages evolved?
- Have you used these languages in other contexts since?
- How has this activity broadened your programming skills and your ability to choose the appropriate language for a given task?
- Has it influenced your approach to understanding or reviewing code written in different languages?
- What transferable skills, such as adaptability, problem-solving, and technical understanding, did you develop?
- What clear actions can you take to further develop your proficiency in different programming languages and stay updated with emerging technologies?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Use good software design and programming practice. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Use programming languages. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Develop applications using a web browser as the user interface. |