Southern New Hampshire University

IT145: Foundation in Application Development

A guide to SNHU's programming course on object orientation, structured code, documentation and development tools.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

IT-145 uses programming as a problem-solving technique in business and engineering applications. SNHU says students write code in a logical, structured and organized way and learn to incorporate the key concepts of object orientation.

They also learn to write, review and document interactive applications, and to work with Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Integrated Development Environment (IDE) tools. The prerequisite is one of CS-110 or IT-140. IT-145 in turn is the prerequisite for IT-209.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversitySouthern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
CodeIT-145
Credits3
LevelUndergraduate
PrerequisiteOne of CS-110 or IT-140
Leads toIT-209 Introduction to Robotics

What IT-145 Covers

TopicWhat it means
Programming as problem solvingTurning a business or engineering need into code
Structured, organized codeReadable layout, meaningful names, logical flow
Object orientationClasses, objects, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism
Documentation and reviewComments, explanations and checking others' code
Interactive applicationsPrograms that respond to user input
SDKs and IDEsThe tools used to build and debug software

The catalog does not name the language, so follow your course materials.

Key Concepts Explained

Classes and Objects

A class defines data and behavior; an object is one instance. Grouping them models real things in the problem.

Illustration (invented): A BankAccount class holds a balance and offers deposit and withdraw methods. withdraw checks that the balance is enough before reducing it. Keeping the balance private means other code can only change it through those checked methods.

Encapsulation, Inheritance and Polymorphism

Encapsulation hides internal data behind methods. Inheritance lets a class reuse another's features. Polymorphism lets different classes respond to the same method call in their own way.

Documentation

Comments should explain why a decision was made, not repeat the code. A short header comment on each class and function is usually enough.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

SNHU does not list assessments in the catalog; this is a general guide.

Work typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Programming tasksCorrect, structured codePlan classes before coding
Interactive applicationsUser input handlingValidate input and test unusual values
Code review or explanationReading and documenting codeComment on logic, naming and risks
Tool useIDE and SDK skillsLearn debugging and breakpoints

Designing Before Coding

Object-oriented programs are easier to write when the classes are decided first.

  1. Underline the nouns in the problem statement; they suggest classes.
  2. For each class, list the data it holds and the actions it performs.
  3. Decide which data should be private and what checks each method needs.
  4. Write a small test program that creates objects and calls the methods.
  5. Add comments and documentation as you finish each class.

Reviewing and Documenting Code

The catalog says students learn to write, review and document applications. Reviewing means reading code critically.

Review questionWhat a good answer shows
Is the purpose clear?Names and comments explain what and why
Is it structured?Short methods, one job each
Does it handle bad input?Checks and sensible messages
Can it be tested?Logic separate from input and output

Use the same questions on your own work before submitting. It is a quick way to catch the problems rubrics usually penalize.

Self-Check Questions

QuestionShort answer
What is encapsulation?Keeping data private and exposing it through methods
What is inheritance?A class reusing the features of another
Why document code?So others (and you later) can understand and maintain it
What does an IDE offer?Editing, running, debugging and project tools in one place

Answer each with a short example from a program you have written.

Worked Example: A Small Class Design

Imagine a task to model a library item. Begin with the data: a title, a creator and whether the item is on loan. Then the actions: borrow, return and show details.

The class keeps the loan status private. The borrow method checks that the item is available before changing the status and returns a message if it is not. The return method sets it back. A short test program creates two items, borrows one twice and prints the results so you can see the check working.

In the documentation, explain why the status is private and what each method guarantees. This invented example shows how encapsulation protects data and why reviewers like clear explanations alongside code.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for IT-145

How We Help with IT-145

Send the task, your code and error messages. A tutor can explain object-oriented ideas, review your code for structure and documentation, or provide a custom solution to a similar exercise.

GradeEssays is independent of Southern New Hampshire University. Use our work for study and submit your own code under SNHU's academic integrity policy.

Get Your IT-145 Program on Track

Share the task and your code. We prepare a commented model and review your own work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prerequisite for IT-145?

One of CS-110 or IT-140.

How many credits?

3.

What does it lead to?

It is the prerequisite for IT-209.

Is object orientation required?

Yes, the description names key object-oriented concepts.

Which IDE is used?

The catalog says only that students work with SDKs and IDEs; follow your course materials.

Can you write my program?

No. We help you understand and debug your own work; you submit your own code.