Event driven programming

Aim and purpose

To introduce learners to the features of event driven programming and the event driven development
environment and to develop the skills required to design, implement, test, document and review event driven
programs.

Unit introduction

Unlike traditional programming, where the control flow is determined by the program structure, the control
flow of event driven programs is largely driven by external events. Typically, event loops are pre-programmed
to continually look for information to process. Event driven programming is a very flexible way of allowing
programs to respond to many inputs or events.

In this unit learners will to become familiar with the underpinning concepts of event driven programming
and subsequently develop particular skills in one language. The unit starts by looking at the features of event
driven programming and the event driven environment. Learners will discuss how these types of language
are used and their suitability for different uses. The unit then puts theory into practise and learners will design
and develop event driven programs to meet specified needs. There are many concepts to be learned and
practised to enable learners to be able to confidently design and implement programs.

A variety of languages have the capacity to develop event driven solutions and it is not important which
language is chosen as long as the skills being developed and evidenced relate to the key event driven focus.
As with all programming, a focus on developing solutions to meet identified needs is made along with one that
emphasises the importance of testing and reviewing.

Learners will use a structured approach to the design and development of applications, ensuring the solution
is well documented and thoroughly tested against the original user requirement.