Producing Robust Programs

Producing Robust Programs

1. Authentication

   • Verifying the identity of a user.
   • Authentication is the process of a user confirming that they are who they say they are on a computer system. In a network, this is often done through inputting a username and password. For networks that require high levels of security, authentication may include other methods.

2. Validation

   • Checking input data is sensible and in the right format.
   • A programmer should consider that any inputs a user makes may be incorrect and should plan arrangements for such unexpected actions. Using validation helps a programmer to ensure that any data input is possible and sensible.

3. Maintainability

   • The process of ensuring that a program is easy to understand, modify and update.
     • ensuring code is readable and understandable
       • A programmer may decide to return to a program they wrote some time before in order to add an extra feature. Additionally, another programmer may wish to modify the program in order to improve it or debug an error.

4. Sanitisation

   • The process of checking entered data and removing dangerous inputs which could otherwise be used to cause damage to a program.
   • Validation is used to ensure that data entered is both possible and sensible. The purpose of data sanitisation is to hide or protect data so it can’t be seen or disclosed.