2.2.1 Programming techniques- Callum

Question 1

What does sequence mean as a programming construct?

Answer 1

Code is executed line-by-line, top to bottom

Question 2

What is selection?

Answer 2

when a certain block of code is run ONLY if certain conditions are met

Question 3

what is iteration?

Answer 3

A block of code is repeated a certain number of times or until a condition is met

Question 4

What loops are examples of iteration?

Answer 4

For, While, Repeat until

Question 5

What is recursion?

Answer 5

A programming construct in which a subroutine calls itself over and over until a stopping condition is met.

Question 6

What is an advantage of recursion?

Answer 6

Solutions can be represented in fewer lines of code that with iteration.

Question 7

What are the downsides of recursion?

Answer 7

it has very inefficient memory usage due to creating copies of variables.

Recursion is also quite difficult to trace.

Question 8

what is a local variable?

Answer 8

A variable that is accessible only in the subroutine in which it is defined.

Question 9

Why is using local variables good programming practice?

Answer 9

It eliminates the danger of variables being affected by code outside of the subroutine.

Question 10

What is a global variable?

Answer 10

A variable that is accessible throughout the whole program.

Question 11

Why is using global variables not recommended in large programs?

Answer 11

They can be unintentionally altered by parts of the program.

They also take up more space in memory than local variables as they are not deleted after a subroutine is finished.

Question 12

what is modular programming?

Answer 12

Modular programming is a technique used to split large, complex programs into
smaller, self-contained modules.

Question 13

What are some advantages of modular programming?

Answer 13

makes it easier to split tasks between a team and manage projects.

simplifies the process of testing, as each component can be dealt with individually

improves the reusability of components

Question 14

what is top-down design?

Answer 14

when a problem is continually broken down into sub-problems, until each can be represented as an individual, self-contained module which performs a certain task

Question 15

What is another word for module in programming?

Answer 15

subroutine

Question 16

What is passing by value?

Answer 16

when a copy of the value is
passed to a subroutine and discarded at the end. This ensures its value outside of the subroutine remains unaffected.

Question 17

What is passing by reference?

Answer 17

Passing by reference means that the
address of the parameter is given to the subroutine, so the value of the parameter will be updated at the given address.

Question 18

What is an IDE?

Answer 18

standing for Integrated Development Environment, it is a program which provides a set
of tools to make it easier for programmers to write, develop and debug code.

Question 19

By what process does a class make an object?

Answer 19

Instantiation

Question 20

What are some common features of an IDE?

Answer 20

*Stepping
This allows you to monitor the effect of each individual line of code by
executing a single line at a time.
*Variable watch
This allows users to observe how the contents of a variable change in
real-time.
*Breakpoint
IDEs allow users to set a point in the program at which the program will
stop.
*Source code editor
The editor provides features such as autocompletion of words,
indentation, syntax highlighting and automatic bracket completion.
*Debugging tools
Some IDEs also provide run-time detection of errors with a guide as to
where in the code they are likely to have occurred.