2.2 Problem solving and programming extra

Question 2

Explain the term procedural programming language

Answer 2

High-level language
Gives a series of instructions in a (logical)
order / line by line / what to do and how to
do it

Question 3

What is high level also known as

Answer 3

Imperitive

Question 4

Describe the use of local variables

Answer 4

High-level language / 3GL / imperative
language
Gives a series of instructions in a (logical)
order / line by line / what to do and how to
do it

Question 5

What distinguishes global variables from local

Answer 5

Defined at start of program
Exists throughout program / in all
modules
Allows data to be shared by modules

Question 6

What is a variable

Answer 6

Identifier/name of a …
Memory location used to store data

Question 7

What is scope

Answer 7

A range of
statements/procedure/function/method
that a variableis valid for
A local variable takes precedence over
a global variable of thesame
name/allow the same identifier to be
used for different purposes without
conflic

Question 8

Explain the advantages of writing an application using a modular approach.

Answer 8

Work is easier to divide between a
team
each team member just needs to know
what values go into their subroutine
and the expected functionality
Saves time as work takes place in
parallel
each team member can work on their
area of expertise.
Breaks problems into smaller areas.
Easier to test/ debug/ read
each subroutine can be tested before
integration.
Code can be reused in the project/
future projects

Question 9

Some features of IDE’S

Answer 9

Auto-complete
Can view identifiers / avoid spelling
mistakes
Colour coding text / syntax highlighting
Can identify features quickly / use to
check code is correct
Stepping
Run one line at a time and check result
Breakpoints
Stop the code at a set point to check
value of variable(s)
Variable watch / watch window
Check values of variables and how
they change during the execution
Error diagnostics
Locate and report errors / give detail on
errors

Question 10

Explain why the array scores has been declared as global instead of local

Answer 10

It does not need to be passed between
subroutines
It can be accessed/updated at any
point/place in the program
It allows it to be updated as a running
total

Question 11

local and global

Answer 11

Memory, local/parameter allows re allocation of memory but in recursion more memory needed as 1 memory space for each call if local/parameter

Question 12

What can IDE debugging produce

Answer 12

A crash dump which shows the state of variables at the point where an error occurs

Question 13

What can an IDE display

Answer 13

stack contents which can show the sequencing through procedures/modules

Question 14

What does an IDE inserting a breakpoint allow

Answer 14

The program to be stopped at a predetermined point in order to inspect its state

Question 15

Describe what is meant by the term IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Answer 15

A (single) program (1) used for
developing programs (1) made from a
number of components (1).

Question 16

What is a function

Answer 16

A function is a named section of
program (1) that performs a specific
task (1).
It returns a value (1), it is often called
inline (1)

Question 17

What is a function often called

Answer 17

it is often called
inline (1)

Question 18

How do IDE’S make use of breakpoints

Answer 18

Use to test the program works up to/at
specific points
Check variable contents at specific
points
Can set a point where the program
stops running

Question 19

What is IDE stepping

Answer 19

It can step through code (1 – AO 1.1),
which allows the programmer to watch
the effects each line of code (1 – AO
1.2).

Question 20

How do IDE’S make use of stepping

Answer 20

Can set the program to run line by line
Slow down/watch execution
Find the point where an error occurs