BD Unit 2 Sprint 5: Building Robust Applications

Welcome to Sprint 5 of the Backend Development track! This sprint focuses on professional software engineering practices that transform basic applications into production-ready systems. You'll master essential skills in requirements engineering, debugging, testing, and memory management that are crucial for any software engineering role.

Sprint Overview

This sprint equips you with the skills to build industrial-strength applications through a comprehensive approach to software quality:

By the end of this sprint, you'll be able to engineer Java applications that are well-specified, thoroughly tested, memory-efficient, and ready for production deployment.

Sprint Modules

Module 1: Functional Requirements

Master the art of creating precise, testable requirements that bridge the gap between user needs and technical implementation. Learn to distinguish between functional and non-functional requirements while writing specifications that guide development and testing.

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Module 2: Debugging

Transform your approach to problem-solving with systematic debugging techniques. Learn to apply the scientific method to isolate bugs, use debugging tools effectively, and implement strategies that reduce debugging time and increase solution accuracy.

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Module 3: Testing

Implement comprehensive testing strategies using the GIVEN-WHEN-THEN pattern for clear, focused test cases. Master JUnit and Mockito frameworks while learning to create deterministic tests that verify functionality, catch edge cases, and document expected behavior.

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Module 4: Memory

Gain deep insights into JVM memory architecture, including stack frames and heap allocation. Learn to trace object lifecycles, predict garbage collection behavior, and optimize memory usage through effective programming practices that prevent leaks and improve performance.

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Module 5: Application Optimization

Apply techniques from previous modules to holistically optimize your applications. Learn to identify bottlenecks, implement performance improvements, and balance memory efficiency with execution speed for real-world applications.

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Code-Alongs

Participate in interactive coding sessions where instructors demonstrate practical applications of sprint concepts. These sessions provide hands-on experience with requirements documentation, systematic debugging, test implementation, and memory optimization in real-world scenarios.

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Sprint Challenge

Apply your comprehensive software engineering skills in an integrated challenge that tests your ability to write clear requirements, implement robust solutions, create effective tests, and optimize memory usage. This challenge simulates real-world engineering scenarios you'll face in professional environments.

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Additional Resources