Fundamentals & Vocabulary

Question 1

What is an algorithm?

Answer 1

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula used to solve a problem or achieve a task in programming.

Question 2

Can you explain what a data structure is?

Answer 2

Sure! A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently.

Question 3

What do you mean by a variable in programming?

Answer 3

A variable is like a named storage location in computer memory that holds a value, such as a number or a piece of text.

Question 4

Could you define a function?

Answer 4

Absolutely! A function is a block of code that performs a specific task and can be reused throughout a program to avoid repetition.

Question 5

How would you describe a loop?

Answer 5

A loop is a programming construct that repeats a block of code until a specified condition is met, allowing for efficient repetition in code execution.

Question 6

What exactly is a condition in programming?

Answer 6

A condition is a statement that evaluates whether a given condition is true or false, controlling the flow of a program by directing it to different paths based on the evaluation result.

Question 7

Could you explain what an array is?

Answer 7

An array is a data structure used to store a collection of elements, each identified by an index or key, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of related data.

Question 8

Can you clarify the concept of a string?

Answer 8

Certainly! A string is a sequence of characters, typically used to represent text in computer programs, such as words or sentences.

Question 9

What is a Boolean in programming?

Answer 9

A Boolean is a data type that represents true or false values, commonly used for logical operations and conditional expressions in programming.

Question 10

How would you define an integer?

Answer 10

An integer is a data type that represents whole numbers, both positive and negative, without fractional parts, making it suitable for arithmetic operations and counting in programming.

Question 11

What is the difference between a parameter and an argument?

Answer 11

In programming, a parameter is a variable in a function definition, while an argument is the actual value passed to the function.

Question 12

Could you explain the concept of scope?

Answer 12

Scope refers to the visibility and accessibility of variables within a program, determining where in the code a variable can be referenced.

Question 13

What does it mean to “declare” a variable?

Answer 13

To declare a variable in programming is to define its name and data type, allocating memory space for storing its value.

Question 14

Can you define “syntax” in programming?

Answer 14

Syntax refers to the set of rules governing the structure and format of statements in a programming language, ensuring code correctness and readability.

Question 15

What is the purpose of code comments?

Answer 15

Comments are used to provide explanations or annotations within code, helping developers understand its logic and functionality.

Question 16

How would you describe the concept of “debugging”?

Answer 16

Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors or bugs in a program to ensure it behaves as expected.

Question 17

What is the significance of indentation in programming?

Answer 17

Indentation is used to visually organize code by indicating block structures, such as loops and conditionals, improving readability and clarity.

Question 18

What is the difference between “compilation” and “interpretation”?

Answer 18

Compilation is the process of translating source code into machine code before execution, while interpretation involves executing code directly without prior translation.

Question 19

Can you explain the concept of “inheritance” in object-oriented programming?

Answer 19

Inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and behaviors from another class, enabling code reuse and establishing hierarchical relationships between classes.

Question 20

What is a “method” in object-oriented programming?

Answer 20

A method is a function associated with an object or class, defining behaviors and actions that objects of that class can perform.

Question 21

What is a “class” in object-oriented programming?

Answer 21

A class is a blueprint for creating objects that define properties and behaviors common to all instances of that class.

Question 22

Can you explain the concept of “polymorphism”?

Answer 22

Polymorphism allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass, enabling flexibility and extensibility in code design.

Question 23

What does it mean to “instantiate” an object?

Answer 23

To instantiate an object is to create an instance of a class, allocating memory for the object and initializing its properties.

Question 24

Could you define “abstraction” in programming?

Answer 24

Abstraction is the process of hiding complex implementation details and exposing only relevant information to the user, enhancing code simplicity and maintainability.

Question 25

What is the purpose of “modularity” in programming?

Answer 25

Modularity involves breaking down a program into smaller, manageable components or modules, promoting code reusability, and facilitating maintenance and collaboration.

Question 26

How would you describe the concept of “recursion”?

Answer 26

Recursion is a programming technique where a function calls itself to solve a problem by breaking it down into smaller instances.

Question 27

What is “stack” and “heap” memory?

Answer 27

Stack memory is used for static memory allocation and stores local variables and function call information, while heap memory is used for dynamic memory allocation and stores objects and data structures.

Question 28

Can you explain the concept of “pointer” in programming?

Answer 28

A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable or object, allowing direct manipulation and access to memory locations.

Question 29

What is the purpose of “exception handling”?

Answer 29

Exception handling is the process of handling unexpected or exceptional situations in a program, such as errors or runtime exceptions, to prevent program crashes and ensure graceful error recovery.

Question 30

How would you define “modulus” in programming?

Answer 30

Modulus is a mathematical operation that returns the remainder of a division operation, commonly used for tasks such as checking for divisibility or cycling through a sequence.