In programming languages a data type is an attribute of a piece of data that explains what kind of data is being dealt with. This involves setting constraints on the data, such as what values that data can take on, and what operations may be performed on that data. The Java programming language is strongly-typed, which means that all variables must first be defined or declared before they can be used in the actual code. This is often related to the Option Explicit statement used within Microsoft languages.

Software design using diagrams and pseudo code aid in the discovery phases of development based projects. Using these tools can greatly increase the success of the project by allowing communication between the clients and the development team. The created documents can be used in the documentation and test phases of the project giving easy to read visual aids.  As training and code review comes along in the future these documents will often be put back into play as well.