Programming principals Flashcards
Variable
A named data location in a program for a value that can be changed, throughout the execution time.
Constant
A named data location in a program for a value that does not change.
String
Name given to a series of characters or symbols, which are displayed for a user, when a program is executed.
Integer
A whole number that has not a decimal points. Used to store data that would never be a decimal.
Real(float)
Have a decimal points. Used to store data that could be decimal.
Character
Holds just one character. More efficient way how to store one character compared to string.
Boolean
Data type that will hold two values only, such as true/false or yes/no.
Algorithm
Set of instructions to solve a problem.
Sequence
Instructions that occur one after the other in a particular order.
Execution
A program that is run.
Selection
Making a choice or a decision in a program.
Iteration
Repeating instructions in a program.
Condition
A state in a program that will be met or not met.
Counting loop(for loop)
Repeats a set of instructions a set number of times.
Condition loop(while loop)
Repeats a set of instructions until a certain condition is met.
Totalling
Taking a current value and update it while the program is executed.
Predefined function
A pre-programmed set of instructions that return a value.
Library
A store of pre-programmed instructions that can be imported into a program.
Predefined procedure
A pre-programmed set of instructions that do not return a value. E.g. “clear the screen”
Array
A store of data values that are all related and of the same data type.
Element
An individual item in an array.
Advantages of arrays
- store many data values under one name
- easily find an item of data in list
- easily write or read many values
Disadvantages of arrays
- once defined, the size of the array cannot be normally changed
- can only hold data of one type
