Algorithms, Debugging, and Integration

This capstone unit integrates algorithms, data structures, debugging/optimization, software design patterns, user interfaces, and basic database connectivity to prepare students for real-world programming tasks. Learners will implement and compare sorting/search routines, use debuggers and profilers, apply modular design with objects and protocols, and assemble UI and data components for deployable applications.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and compare the time and space trade-offs of sorting algorithms and data structures by implementing heap sort, merge sort, quick sort, and array/structure-based solutions and reporting benchmark results
• Apply debugging and optimization techniques using debuggers and profilers to identify runtime errors and performance bottlenecks, then document and commit code fixes to source control
• Demonstrate the ability to design and implement modular, maintainable programs using functions, objects, protocols/design patterns, proper variable scope, and type conversions, including integration of third-party components
• Evaluate and build user-facing and data management features by creating user interfaces, help files, tables, and basic database-connected components that validate input and support real-time data scenarios