Chapter 7 - Programming Flashcards

1
Q

Algorithms

A

Sets of rules that define a solution to a problem

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Pseudocode

A

A structured form of English used to define the steps needed to solve a problem

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Machine code

A

A stream of binary code that represent instructions that are to be carried out - specific to computer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Low-level code

A

Works at the level of computer hardware

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Assembly language

A

Uses mnemonics to represent instructions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

High-level languages

A

Commands may represent several machine code instructions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Compiler

A

Converts whole code into machine code before running it. Source code runs independently to object code so compiler not needed and difficult to modify

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

IDE

A

Integrated development environment includes source code editors, debuggers etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Sequence

A

The path through a program that the computer follows in order

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Selection

A

Path through program decided by condition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Iteration

A

Set of instructions repeated several times

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Variable

A

A named storage reserved in memory for data to be used in a program. It can be updated by the program and has no value at design time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Constant

A

A place reserved in memory for data to be used in a program. It cannot be changed by the program, only at the editing stage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Array

A

A set of variables with the same name and an index number to identify the different variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Syntax errors

A

Errors in the use of language rules e.g. undeclared variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Logical errors

A

Errors as a result of flawed logic e.g. infinite loops. Error does not prevent the program running but does not produce expected output

17
Q

Why can testing never be complete? (4)

A

1) Complex software
2) Expensive
3) Time consuming
4) Lots of pathways

18
Q

Where are binary bit patterns of low-level code decoded?

A

Processor’s logic circuits

19
Q

Why is writing programs in machine code difficult and time consuming? (2)

A

1) Each operation has to be defined

2) Each instruction is just one operation

20
Q

What is the operator/ opcode?

A

Instruction - tells processor what to do

21
Q

What is the operand?

A

Data part of instruction

22
Q

What is an assembler?

A

Software that converts mnemonics from assembly code to machine code - precise and direct but difficult to code and limited commands

23
Q

What does an interpreter do?

A

Converts high-level code one instruction at a time, running each before translating the next. Source code is needed to run program so code will run on any machine but slower and easy to modify

24
Q

What can an IDE include? (4)

A

1) Source code editor - easier to code - more accurate
2) Debugger - less errors + time on improving
3) Translator
4) Autocomplete code - save time

25
What can happen with logical errors? (3)
1) Programs do not complete 2) Memory filled 3) Incorrect output
26
Why do we need testing?
To discover errors and ensure software conforms to specifications
27
What is the size of a string, integer, real and boolean variable?
String - 5 bytes Integer - 2-4 bytes Real - 4-8 bytes Boolean - 1 bit