2.2 Programming Fundamentals

Question 1

Define integer

Answer 1

Whole numbers. The integer can be positive or negative and include zero.

Question 2

Define real/ float

Answer 2

Numbers that have a decimal point. Again – a real number can be negative e.g. -1.8

Question 3

Define Boolean

Answer 3

Can only take one of two values: true or false, yes or no, 0 or 1

Question 4

Define character

Answer 4

A single letter, number or symbol, e.g. six, Y, &

Question 5

Define string

Answer 5

Are used to represent text. It is a collection of characters, e.g. hello

Question 6

Define casting

Answer 6

Casting is used to change the date type e.g. you can change the integer 7 to string “7”

Question 7

Define arithmetic operators

Answer 7

Arithmetic operators, take two values and perform a mathematical function on them e.g 5 + 6

Question 8

Define exponentiation

Answer 8

Exponentiation is used to raise a number to a power. In python the symbols ^ or ** is used

Question 9

Define DIV

Answer 9

The DIV operator returns the whole number part of a division. In python the symbol // is used e.g 20 // 3 = 6

Question 10

Define MOD

Answer 10

The MOD operator returns the remainder part of the division. In python the symbol % is used, e.g. 20 % 3 = 2

Question 11

Define assignment

Answer 11

The assignment operator is used to allocate values to constants or variables.

Question 12

Define comparison operators

Answer 12

Comparison operators compare the expression on the left-hand side with the expression on the right hand side, and produce a Boolean value, true or false

Question 13

Define constant

Answer 13

A constant is assigned a data value that cannot be changed as the program runs. E.g. VAT = 0.2. This can then be used in calculations cost = price*VAT

Question 14

Define variable

Answer 14

The variable is the location of memory that holds one more values. It has a label or name to identify it and its values can be changed as the program runs.

Question 15

Define string manipulation

Answer 15

The characters in a string are usually numbered starting at zero. You can use commands which give you information about the string or allows you to alter the string.

Question 16

Define selection statements (IF)

Answer 16

If statements allow you to check if a statement is true or false and then carry out different actions depending on the outcome.

Question 17

Define selection statements (SWITCH)

Answer 17

Switch statements (also known as case select statements) can check if a variable has a specific value.

Question 18

Define count controlled loop (FOR)

Answer 18

For loops will repeat the code in them a fixed number of times.

Question 19

Define condition controlled loop (WHILE)

Answer 19

While loops are controlled by condition at the start of the loop. They will keep going while the condition is true.

Question 20

Define condition controlled loop (DO)

Answer 20

I do… Until loop is controlled by a condition at the end of the loop. It will keep going until the condition is true. This loop will always run the loop at least once

Question 21

Define Boolean operators

Answer 21

You need to know three Boolean operators: AND, OR, NOT.

These are used in selection and iteration statements.

Question 22

Define random numbers

Answer 22

Most programming languages have a function to generate random numbers. These are useful for simple games.

Question 23

Define arrays

Answer 23

An array is a data structure that can store a collection of data values all under one name. Each value is called an element.

Question 24

Define two dimensional arrays

Answer 24

Two dimensional arrays can be thought of as a one-dimensional array where each element is a one-dimensional array.

Question 25

Define file handling

Answer 25

File handling is all about how the program can access data and change data that is stored in an external file.

Question 26

Define records

Answer 26

A record is a type of data structure like an array – it is used to store a collection of data values. They can store values with different data types.

Question 27

Define SQL

Answer 27

Structured query language can be used to search database tables for specific data.

Question 28

Define sub programs

Answer 28

Sub programs can be used to save time and simplify code. The sub program will usually carry out a specific task.

Question 29

Define procedures

Answer 29

Procedures is a set of instructions, stored under one name. When you want your program to carry out these instructions, you just call the name of the procedure.

Question 30

Define functions

Answer 30

Functions are similar to procedures but functions always return a value.

Question 31

Define concatenation

Answer 31

Joining strings together

Question 32

What are th three programming fundamentals?

Answer 32

Sequence, selection, iteration

Question 33

Does an array store a fixed number of data elements?

Answer 33

Yes

Question 34

How do you insert into an array?

Answer 34

ScoobyGang[3] = “Laura”

Question 35

How do you delete a value in an array?

Answer 35

List.pop[3]

Question 36

What is the order of a 2D array?

Answer 36

Row, column

Question 37

What is a record?

Answer 37

Like an array but can store different data types

Question 38

What is SQL?

Answer 38

Structured Query Language
SELEECT
FROM
WHERE

Question 39

What does SELECT * mean?

Answer 39

Select all fields