Ch.1 C++ Flashcards
1.1 Why is the computer used by so many different people, in so many different professions?
Because the computer can be programmed to do so many different tasks
1.2 List the 5 major hardware components of a computer system
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), main memory, secondary memory, input devices, & output devices
1.3 Internally, the CPU consists of what two units?
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), and Control Unit
1.4 Describe the Fetch step on the fetch/decode/execute cycle
- Fetch: The CPU’s control unit fetches the program’s next instruction from the main memory
1.4 Describe the Decode step on the fetch/decode/execute cycle
- Decoder: The control unit decodes the instruction, which is encoded in the form of a number, and then an electrical signal is generated
1.4 Describe the Execute step on the fetch/decode/execute cycle
- Execute: The signal is routed to the appropriate component of the computer, which causes a device to perform an operation
1.5 What is memory address and what is it’s purpose?
A unique number assigned to each section of memory
1.6 Explain why computers have main memory
Program instructions and data are stored in main memory while the program is operating. Main memory is volatile, and loses its contents when power is removed from the computer. Like short term memory
1.6 Explain why computers have secondary memory
Secondary storage holds data for long periods of time - even when there is no power to the computer. Like long term memory
1.7 What are two general categories of software
Operating Systems and Application Software
1.8 What fundamental set/group of programs control the internal operations of the computer’s hardware?
The Operating System
1.9 What do you call a program that performs a specialized task, such as a virus scanner, a file-compression program, or a data-backup program?
A Utility program
1.10 Word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, email programs, Web browsers, and GAME programs belong to what category of software?
Application Software/Apps
1.11 What is an algorithm?
A set of well-defined steps for a performing a task or solving a problem
1.12 Why were computer programming languages invented?
To ease the task of programming; Programs may be written in a programming language and then converted into a machine language
1.13 What is the difference between a high-level language and a low-level language? Define how a high-level language acts
A high-level language is closer to the level of a human readability and resemble natural languages
1.13 What is the difference between a high-level language and a low-level language? Define how a low-level language acts
A low-level language is close to the level of the computer, and resembles the system’s numeric machine language
1.14 What does portability mean?
That a program may be written on one type of a computer and run on another type
1.15 Explain the operations carried out by the preprodecessor in the preprodecessor, compiler, and linker operations
- The preprodecessor reads the Source File searching for commands that begin with the # symbol. These are the commands that cause the preprodecessor to modify the Source File in some way
1.15 Explain the operations carried out by the compiler in the preprodecessor, compiler, and linker operations
- The compiler translates each Source Code instruction into the appropriate Machine Language instruction, and creates an Object File
1.15 Explain the operations carried out by the linker in the preprodecessor, compiler, and linker operations
- The linker combines the Object File with the necessary library routines
1.16 Explain what is stored in a Source File
Contains program statements written by the programmer
1.16 Explain what is stored in a Object File
Machine language instructions generated by the compiler translated from the Source File
1.16 Explain what is stored in a Executable File
Code ready to run on the computer. Includes the machine language from an Object File, and the necessary code from library routine
1.17 What is an integrated development environment?
A program environment that includes a Text Editor, Compiler, Debugger, and other utilities, integrated into one package
1.18 Describe the difference between a key word and a programmer-define identifier
A key word has a special purpose, and a defined as part of a programming language. A programmer-defined identifier is a word or name defined by the programmer.
1.19 Describe the difference between operators and punctuation symbols.
Operators perform on one or more operands. Punctuation symbol mark the beginning or end of a statement, or separate items in a list
1.20 Describe the difference between a program line and a statement
A line is a single line as it appears in the body of a program. A statement is a complete instruction that causes the computer to perform an action.
1.21 Why are variables called “variables”?
Because their content may be changed
1.22 What happens to a variables current contents when a new value is stored there?
The original is overwritten
1.23 What must take place in a program before a variable is used?
The variable must be defined
1.24 What are the 3 primary activities of a program?
Input, processing, and output
1.25 What 4 items should you identify when defining what a program is to do?
- The program’s purpose
- Information to be input
- The processing to take place
- The desired output
1.26 What does it mean to “visualize a program running”? What is the value of such an activity?
To imagine what the computer screen looks like while the program is running. This helps define input and output
1.27 What is a hierarchy chart?
A chart that depicts each logical step of the program in an hierarchical fashion
1.28 Describe the process of desk-checking
The programmer steps though each statement in the program from beginning to end. The contents of variables are recorded, and screen output is sketched
1.29 Describe what a compiler does with a program’s source code
It translates each source code statement into the appropriate machine learning statement,
1.30 What is run-time error?
A logical error that occurs while the program is running
1.31 Is a syntax error (such as misspelling a key word) found by the compiler or when the program is running?
By the compiler
1.32 What is the purpose of testing a program with sample data or input?
To determine if a logical error is present in the program
1.33 Briefly describe the difference between procedural and object-oriented programming
Procedural programs are made of procedures or functions. Object-oriented programs are centered on objects, which contain both data and procedures that operate on the
