Fundamentals of Programming Flashcards
Define Memory Address
A specific location in memory where instructions or data are stored.
Difference between a computer program and Algorithm?
An algorithm is a sequence of steps that can be followed to complete a task, a computer program is the actual code that completes the algorithm.
Name all data types and their uses
INTEGER - whole number,
FLOAT/REAL - fractional/ has decimal point,
STRING - characters,
BOOLEAN - True or False (1 or 0),
CHARACTER - stores individual character,
DATE/TIME - store date formats,
POINTER/REFERENCE - stores a value that relates to a location in memory,
ARRAY - a list of data (elements) of the same type
Define Initialisation
Setting the starting values for a variable
Define Nesting
Placing one set of instructions within another set of instructions
Explain the two types of Iteration
Indefinite = a process that repeats until a certain condition is met, Definite = a process that repeats a certain number of times
Define Relational Operations
expressions that compare two values.
Name and describe String-Handling Functions
Actions that can be carried out on sequences of characters, such as:
Length Position Substring (String contained within a string) Concatenation (Joining strings together) Character Codes (ASCII, UNICODE etc.)
Name the code which describes the data being passed from one subroutine to another
Block Interface
Name a block of code that can be designed to carry out a specific task
Subroutine/Procedure.
Define Exception Handeling
the process of dealing with events that cause subroutines to stop.
Define Hierarchy charts
A diagram that shows the design of a system from the top down (decomposition)
A chart similar to a hierarchy chart with the addition of showing how data is passed around the system
Structure Chart
Define a dry run
The process of stepping through each line of code to see what will happen before the program is run
Define Procedural Programming languages
Languages where the programmer specifies the steps that must be carried out
Define a Modular Design
A method of system design that breaks the whole system down into smaller units/modules,
e.g Object Orientated Programs
What is the concept of putting properties, methods and data in one object called?
Encapsulation
What are protected methods?
Methods that can only be called with a class or sub-class and not on objects
What is the ability of different types of data being manipulated with the same method called?
Polymorphism
Define an Abstract Class
An abstract class is a class that can only be used to create sub-classes from, through inheritance.
Define Composition aggregation
creating an object that contains other objects and all will be deleted if the containing object is deleted
Define Association aggregation
creating an object that contains other objects but will not be deleted if the containing object is deleted