Game data dictionary and debugging tools
2025-hsc-se-q15 · Multipart · 6 marks
Source: NESA 2025 HSC Software Engineering HSC Q15
Question
A computer game is being developed.
Part (a) 3 marks
Part of a data dictionary for the computer game is shown. Select the correct entries to complete the data dictionary.
| Variable | Data type | Format for display | Size in bytes | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayerId | NXXXXN | Identifies player | |||
| PlayerName | XX...XX | 15 | Player name | Nat Kim | |
| Level | NN | 1 | Level of player | 27 | |
| OnMission | X | 1 bit | Y or N | Y | |
| LastSave | Date and Time | 12 | Time last saved 24-hour time | 13:45:21.221 |
Part (b) 3 marks
While this game is being developed, there are persistent issues with the code. Outline TWO software debugging tools that can be used to identify these logic errors.
Reveal answer
Part (a)
| Cell | Answer |
|---|---|
| PlayerId data type | String |
| PlayerId size | 6 |
| PlayerId example | N1234N |
| Level data type | Integer |
| OnMission data type | Boolean |
| LastSave format for display | HH:MM:SS.SSS |
Part (b)
Two debugging tools are breakpoints and debugging output statements. Breakpoints can pause program execution at specific lines so the developer can inspect variables and step through the program. Debugging output statements can show whether a section of code has been reached or display the current contents of variables.
Marking rubric
Part (a)
| Marks | Description |
|---|---|
| 3 | Correctly completes all dropdowns in part (a). |
| 2 | Correctly completes five dropdowns in part (a). |
| 1 | Correctly completes three dropdowns in part (a). |
Part (b)
| Marks | Description |
|---|---|
| 3 | Outlines two relevant software debugging tools in part (b). |
| 2 | Outlines one relevant software debugging tool, or identifies two relevant software debugging tools, in part (b). |
| 1 | Provides some relevant information for part (b). |
Explanation
The marking guide accepts relevant debugging tools such as breakpoints and debugging output statements when they are outlined in relation to identifying logic errors.
Metadata
- Submitter
- Seed data
- Created
- 2026-05-02
- Status
- published
- Syllabus
- y12-project-tools-for-ideas-solutions y12-project-test-and-debug-code
- Tags
- data dictionary debugging tools logic errors game development