2.2.1 - Programming Techniques Flashcards

Component 2

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1
Q

What is a variable?

A

Identifier/name of a memory location used to store data

Used to store a value which can change during execution

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2
Q

What are the global variables?

A

The variable can be accessed throughout the scope of the program (visible throughout a program)

Using passing by reference is an equivalent of a global variable.

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3
Q

What are the negatives of global variables?

A

Global variables mean that memory space is kept throughout the running of the program, not just the sub-program (which uses more space than local)

Make it difficult to track changes as it can be changed from any other part of the code.

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4
Q

What is a local variable?

A

Can only be accessed within the scope of the sub-program where it is created

A parameter that is passed into a subroutine becomes a local variable in the subroutine e.g. LoadLevel(Difficulty)

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5
Q

What is an IDE?

A

Integrated Development Environment (IDE) - A program used for developing programs, made from several components.

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6
Q

What tools are provided by an IDE to develop software?

A
  • Auto-complete – Will predict variable and built-in functions and finish off the word. Can avoid spelling mistakes and speed up development
  • Syntax highlighting (colour coding text) - Can distinguish between different features quickly to check code is correct
  • Auto Indent – Indents code automatically within structures to avoid errors
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7
Q

What tools are provided by an IDE to debug software?

A
  • Error highlighting - Syntax errors highlight dynamically so they can be corrected before running the program (saving time)
  • Variable Watch window – Display the values of the variables during running of the program
  • Break points- Stop the program at set points to check the values of variables. Developer can add multiple breakpoints.
  • Error message list- Tells you where errors are and suggests corrections
  • Stepping - Executes program one line at a time to watch variable values and program pathways
  • Traces - Printouts of variable values for each statement execution
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8
Q

What are the three programming constructs?

A

Sequence

Selection / Branching

Iteration

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9
Q

What is an example of a count controlled loop?

A

FOR Loop - Will run for a set number of predetermined times.

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10
Q

What is an example of a condition controlled loop?

A

WHILE / DO WHILE - Will run whilst a condition is true or false

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11
Q

What are parameters?

A

Parameters are the variables listed between the brackets, after the procedure/function name e.g.

They become local variables in the routines that they are passed to.

characterMovement(inputKey, characterx, charactery)

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12
Q

What does passing by value mean?

A

By Value (ByVal)
* Does not override the original data
* A local copy of the data is used
* Data is discarded when the subprogram exits

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13
Q

What does passing by reference mean?

A

By Reference (ByRef)
* Changes are made to the original data
* Memory location of data is sent
* Changes remain after the subprogram exits
* Uses less memory

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14
Q

What is a function?

A
  • A named block of code which always returns a value
  • Uses the keyword return
  • Assigns the returned value to a variable (e.g. y)
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15
Q

What is a procedure?

A
  • A named block of code which does not return a value
  • Does not use the keyword return
  • Is called by writing its name but not assigning the result to a variable
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