Chapter 4 Case Study: Interface Design

Question 1

Method

Answer 1

A function that is associated with an object and called using dot notation.

Question 2

Loop

Answer 2

A part of a program that can run repeatedly.

Question 3

Encapsulation

Answer 3

The process of transforming a sequence of statements into a function definition.

Question 4

Generalization

Answer 4

The process of replacing something unnecessarily specific (like a number) with something appropriately general (like a variable or parameter).

Question 5

Keyword Argument

Answer 5

An argument that includes the name of a the parameter as a “keyword”.

Question 6

Interface

Answer 6

A description of how to use a function, including the name and descriptions of the arguments and return value.

Question 7

Refactoring

Answer 7

The process of modifying a working program to improve function interfaces and other qualities of the code.

Question 8

Development Plan

Answer 8

A process for writing programs.

Question 9

Docstring

Answer 9

A string that appears at the top of a function definition to document the function’s interface.

Question 10

Preconditon

Answer 10

A requirment that should be satisfied by the caller before a function starts.

Question 11

Postcondition

Answer 11

A requirement that should be satisfied by the function before it ends.