During the course of this module, a student's ability to cope with 'real-world' programming environments will be developed. This will require familiarity with programming utilities, libraries and tool-kits for windows-based software development.

Students will also gain the ability to program and access the system interface via scripting languages and kernel APIs.

This module looks at the differences between the Wintel and Unix development environments, though does most of its work in the latter.

The module covers the issues of client-server software design and implementation within the Unix multi-tasking environment. The application to the X-Window system, which relies on this architecture to separate client and server functions, is also explored.

Students will learn to understand metaphors and design principles and to apply these in development environments, including scripting, prototyping and appropriate mixed-language environments.

Competence in C programming is required to explore and use the development environments intended for this module.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to

• Create static and dynamic libraries.
• Use programming utilities to modularise and maintain code.
• Use a variety of scripting languages as aids to programmer productivity as prototyping tools and to access OS facilities.
• Construct event-driven windowing software using standard APIs and environments.
• Evaluate other current initiatives in the area of distributed graphical applications.

Student achievement will be measured by In-Course Assessment. This will take the form of a practical assignment which will require students to demonstrate their ability to design, construct and evaluate software using the tools, languages and environments covered in the course.

This module requires a pre-requisite of Algorithms and Data Structures.

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