Programming

Question 1

IDE

Answer 1

Integrated development environment
Provide a large range of tools to help develop programs eg text editor, autocomplete, automatic line numbering, syntax checking, runtime environment, debugging

Question 2

Text editor

Answer 2

The window in an IDE that allows you to write code. Program code is plain text which is then translated to machine code by an interpreter or compiler.

Question 3

Syntax checking

Answer 3

A feature built into most IDEs to spot potential syntax errors as soon as you make them.
Without this you would have to debug after running the program.

Question 4

Runtime environment

Answer 4

When code has been compiled, the IDE will allow for some form of interpretation so that there can be some development without having to compile the whole code again.

Question 5

Debugging tools

Answer 5

Break point - adds a pause to the program to stop the flow of execution.

Memory inspector - shows the contents of memory so you can see how it’s being used by the program. Can help to identify a memory leak.

Threading - multiple sequences of code being executed concurrently. Can be difficult to spot errors so some IDEs have a thread inspector.

Question 6

Function

Answer 6

Executes a set of instructions and returns a value

Question 7

Procedure

Answer 7

Execute a set of instructions. No value is returned.

Question 8

Problem recognition

Answer 8

Identify the nature and parameters
Analyse the current situation
Specify requirements
Identify if it can be classified as a certain type of problem

Question 9

Passing by value

Answer 9

If changed in subroutine, original variable is unchanged.
Parameter has local scope.
Data is held in a separate memory location and is only available in the subroutine.

Question 10

Passing by reference

Answer 10

Creates a pointer that contains the memory address of the original variable.
Any change to the parameter affects the original variable.

Question 11

Features that make a problem solvable by computational methods

Answer 11

Clearly defined
Computable - what type of calculations
Examine data requirements
Determine if decomposition or abstraction can be used

Question 12

Backtracking

Answer 12

Often uses recursion.
Can be used with graphs where the algorithm must check a number of different solutions.

Question 13

Heuristics

Answer 13

Approaches to problems that don’t necessarily provide the optimal solution but will always provide a good solution in a reasonable time frame.

Question 14

Performance modelling

Answer 14

Evaluating if a system or program works as expected before it is released, and using g this knowledge to make it more effective.