Key Topics and Patterns in COS3711 Past Papers & Practice Project WITH
SOLUTIONS
The COS3711 exams focus heavily on advanced programming concepts, including
objectoriented design, the use of design patterns, GUI applications in Qt, and handling data
in formats like XML. Here’s an analysis of common themes across past papers:
1. Design Patterns: Most exams include questions on design patterns, such as Singleton,
Factory, Façade, and Memento patterns. You may be asked to explain these patterns,
implement them, or apply them to specific scenarios (e.g., managing rainfall data with
Singleton or XML serialization with the Serializer pattern).
2. Qt Framework and MetaObjects: The exams often feature Qt’s model/view framework and
require knowledge of metaobjects, especially in scenarios like managing datasets (rainfall,
flights, or music albums) with QAbstractTableModel and QTableWidget. You’ll need to know
how to subclass Qt components, make models editable, and use properties and
getters/setters effectively.
3. XML Handling and Regular Expressions: There is a strong focus on reading and writing
XML files using QXmlStreamWriter and validating data with QRegularExpression. You’ll
often need to write regular expressions to match specific data patterns (e.g., valid flight
numbers or station codes) and serialize data into XML for external applications.
4. Concurrency and Networking: Exams test knowledge of threading and network
communication, particularly UDP broadcasting. Understanding how to implement and
manage threads in Qt, as well as handling network data, is crucial for tasks like managing
large datasets or ensuring realtime data processing.
5. Data Validation and Parsing: Validation methods (e.g., regular expressions) and parsing
techniques are often tested. Questions may involve verifying data integrity, creating
validators for specific formats, and handling XML or metaobject data formats for applications.
, Study Strategy
1. Focus on Core Design Patterns
Master Singleton, Factory, Façade, and Memento: Understand each pattern’s purpose,
implementation, and common applications. Practice by implementing them in sample
scenarios, such as managing rainfall data with Singleton and applying Façade for complex
data operations.
Resources: Use your textbook or online resources for examples. Make sure to understand
the nuances of each pattern and their advantages/disadvantages.
2. Practice Qt Model/View Framework
Create and Manipulate Models: Practice subclassing `QAbstractTableModel` and
`QTableWidget` to manage data in table formats. Know how to make models editable, bind
them to views, and connect signals and slots.
Explore MetaObjects: Get comfortable using Qt's metaobject system to retrieve and
manipulate data properties, especially for XML serialization.
Resources: The Qt documentation offers excellent examples, especially on
`QAbstractTableModel` and `QTableWidget` functionalities.
3. Develop XML and Regular Expression Skills
Read and Write XML Data: Use `QXmlStreamWriter` to write data in XML format.
Familiarize yourself with XML structure and common Qt XML methods.
Craft Regular Expressions: Practice writing regular expressions for specific data validation
tasks (e.g., station codes, dates, flight numbers). Testing regular expressions online can
help refine them quickly.
Resources: Qt’s official documentation for `QXmlStreamWriter` and regular expression
functions in C++.
4. Implement Concurrency and Network Programming
Implement Threads in Qt: Practice creating and managing threads using `QThread`,
ensuring data consistency and correct signalslot connections.
Network Communication: Review the basics of UDP broadcasting in Qt, especially for
scenarios requiring realtime data exchange or model broadcasting.
Resources: Qt tutorials on `QThread` and network programming provide foundational
skills for managing concurrency and networking.
