10- void-functions, predicates, call-by-reference

Question 1

Void function

Answer 1

does not return a value, can only be used as a standalone statement

Question 2

void

Answer 2

specified as return type

Question 3

Predicate

Answer 3

function whose return value is boolean
used to compute a binary decision
idiom: use a predicate as an expression in a looping or branching construct

Question 4

Variable memory allocation

Answer 4

assigning memory location to a variable

Question 5

Function frame

Answer 5

unit of memory allocation for function’s local variables
contains memory for (local variables), parameters, return value
all variables are allocated at once: frame is allocated as a unit
active frame – frame of currently executing function
inactive frame – others

Question 6

Program (call) stack

Answer 6

means of memory allocation to local function variables during program execution
allocates function frames
last-in/first-out (LIFO) data structure
active frame – on top of the stack
two operations:
push – inserts the frame of invoked function, makes it active
pop – removes the frame of ending function, makes the frame below it active

Question 7

call-by-reference

Answer 7

parameter passing discipline that allows the function to modify the arguments