Theory Notes/🗄️ Topic 4: Data & Information Management, Solution Development/12.4.16
12.4.16Grade 12

Software Documentation

A PAT-only subtopic (not examinable in the written papers) covering the professional documents that should accompany a complete software project.

DocumentPurpose
Specification DocumentDefines WHAT the software must do — the requirements, from the client/user's perspective
Design DocumentDefines HOW the software will meet those requirements — planned classes, data structures, interface layout, algorithms
Technical DocumentDescribes the technical implementation details — how the system was actually built, for future developers/maintainers
Testing DocumentRecords the test plan, test data used (standard/extreme/abnormal), and the results of testing

💡 Exam Tip

Think of these four documents as following the natural project lifecycle: Specification (what's needed) → Design (how it'll be built) → Technical (how it actually was built) → Testing (proof that it works) — a complete PAT should be able to show evidence of all four.