4.1.1 FoP (Programming)

Question 1

Define Data type

Answer 1

An attribute of data that determines what sort of data is being stored and how it will be used

Question 2

Define Integer

Answer 2

A data type for storing positive or negative whole numbers

Question 3

Define real/float

Answer 3

A data type for storing numbers with decimal values

Question 4

Define Boolean

Answer 4

A data type that can only store one of two possible values

Question 5

Define Character

Answer 5

A data type for storing a letter, number or special character.

Question 6

Define String

Answer 6

A data type for storing a sequence of characters or symbols

Question 7

Define Date/Time

Answer 7

A data type for storing date or time values

Question 8

Define records

Answer 8

A data structure that stores related data items in elements called fields, organised based on attributes

Question 9

Define Array

Answer 9

A data structure for storing finite, ordered set of data of the same data type within a single identifier.

Question 10

What is a pointer/reference type

Answer 10

Data type which are stores for memory addresses of objects created at runtime, dynamically.

Question 11

Define user-defined data types

Answer 11

Custom data types designed by the user by combining existing data types, for the bespoke needs of their program

Question 12

Define language defined data types

Answer 12

A primitive data type provided by a programming language

Question 13

Define Subroutines(Procedures/Functions)

Answer 13

a named ‘out of line’ block of code that may be executed (called) by
simply writing its name in a program statement.

Question 14

Why is it important to use meaningful identifier names

Answer 14

• Makes logic of code easier to follow
• Makes code self-documenting (Describes th elogic of the code as its developed)
• Makes purpose of code clear

Question 15

What are some advantages using named constants

Answer 15

• Keeps the program code consistent
• Makes it easier to read and debug a program.
• Because it is immutable if it is to be modified, it is only to be done in one place.

Question 16

What are some advantages of using subroutines

Answer 16

1 - Reduces repition of code , as it can be reused
2- makes code more compact and easier to read as problems are broken down
3 - Easier to debug as subroutines can be tested independently from the whole program
4 - Faster development of large problems as the can be decomposed.

Question 17

How do subroutines use parameters

Answer 17

parameters are specified between brackets after subroutine call statement, these are required for the method to be run

Question 18

What is are the features of a local variabes

Answer 18

1 - One that exists while the subroutine is excecuted
2 - One that is only accessible within the subroutine

Question 19

Why is it good practice to use local variables

Answer 19

• They use less system resources and so are more memory efficient
• Easier to debum as they can only be modified in the subroutine and not all over the program

Question 20

What is a stack frame

Answer 20

A data structure that stores the return addressess, parameter and local variables when subroutines are called

Question 21

What is a recursive routine