Tools for Software Development

A variety of tools are available to assist software developers. These guidelines are intended to help you choose tools that are appropriate to a specialist computer project and which minimise potential security hazards to the School's systems.

When selecting tools for use in a project you should bear in mind that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

• Choices should be well researched and based upon valid, respectable sources.
• The implications for portability should be considered. For example, you may have administrative permissions at home but you won't have on the School's machines.
• Be aware that certain tools, having been released for non-specialists, are inappropriate for use by specialists: a professional approach is expected.

Security should be considered explicitly before tools are chosen. Bear in mind that commonly used tools may have security issues. Even where choice of tools is determined by an external source, the security implications of this choice should be discussed.

For obvious reasons we will not allow insecure code to compromise the security of School systems. For example, you must think very carefully about what users can execute via your scripts as it is easy to jeopardise the system. Support is available from:

• Your supervisor;
• Relevant VLE discussion boards;
• The School technical support enquiry desk.