Part 1

Question 1

What are variables?

Answer 1

Variables are used to store information. A variable is an area of memory that has a unique name and value contained within it. This value can change as a program runs.
A variable is associated with a particular data type.

Question 2

What is data?

Answer 2

Unprocessed information.

Question 3

Explain the different data types.

Character, Integer, Real, Boolean

Answer 3

Characters store single characters, letters and symbols.
Strings store alphanumeric combinations.
Integers are whole numbers.
Real store numbers with decimal places and integers.
Boolean are True or False.

Question 4

What is mod?

Answer 4

The remainder of a division

Question 5

What is a sequence?

Answer 5

A set of instructions to be carried out. The sequence can contain any number of actions, but no actions can be skipped in the sequence.

Question 6

What is an iteration?

Answer 6

A set of instructions that could be repeated zero or more times

Question 7

What is an iteration?

What is a loop?

When to use for loop?

Answer 7

A set of instructions that could be repeated zero or more times.

Repeatedly execute a sequence of program statements until, as a result of this repetition; some condition for termination is satisfied.

If we knew how many times a loop is to be executed we can use another type of loop, the for loop.

Loops which are executed an UNKNOWN number of times awaiting some event must use either while do or do while

Question 8

What are logical operators?

Answer 8

Logical operators are used for comparison

Question 9

What is a case statement?

Answer 9

An alternative to if statement

Question 10

Parameter?

Answer 10

In information technology, a parameter is an item of information - such as a name, a number, or a selected option - that is passed to a program by a user or another program. Parameters affect the operation of the program receiving them.

Question 11

What is a data type?

Answer 11

a classification of data which tells the compiler or interpreter how the programmer intends to use the data.

Question 12

What is parameter passing?

Answer 12

Parameter passing The mechanism used to pass parameters to a procedure (subroutine) or function. The most common methods are to pass the value of the actual parameter (call by value), or to pass the address of the memory location where the actual parameter is stored (call by reference).

Question 13

What is a selection?

Answer 13

In a selection structure, a question is asked, and depending on the answer, the program takes one of two courses of action

Question 14

What is a case statement?

Answer 14

A selection process with multiple outcomes as opposed to the traditional IF statement with two outcomes

Question 15

What is modular approach?

Answer 15

Modular programming is the process of subdividing a computer program into separate sub-programs.

Question 16

What is syntax rule?

Answer 16

Programming syntax rule means you must obey the rules as regards the precise spelling of commands and use of punctuation as defined by the maker of the programming language or it will not compile.

Question 17

What is a data dictionary?

Answer 17

A ‘data dictionary’ describes the structure of data ‘items’ to be used within a software application.

Question 18

Detailed Design?

Answer 18

A finalised and refined design that is presented in a way, that is independent of any programming language

Question 19

Black Box Testing?

Answer 19

The structure of the program is not taken into account. The tests are performed based on what the program does.

Question 20

What is a compiler?

Answer 20

a program that converts instructions into a machine-code or lower-level form so that they can be read and executed by a computer.

Question 21

Stepwise Refinement

Answer 21

A way of developing a computer program by first describing general functions, then breaking each function down into details which are refined in successive steps until the whole program is fully defined. Also called top-down design