Software Development: Languages and Environments Flashcards

1
Q

Name 4 types of programming languages

A
  • Procedural
  • Declarative
  • Event-Driven
  • Scripting
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2
Q

What is a Procedural language? (2) Give an example of a Procedural language (1)

A
  • Procedural languages have a clearly set start and end point to the program
  • The program follows a pre-defined pathway through the instructions to solve the problem
  • Pascal is a Procedural language
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3
Q

What is a Declarative language? (2) Give an example of a Declarative language (1)

A
  • A Declarative language allows the programmer to create a knowledge base which contains facts and rules about a problem.
  • A query is then used to interrogate knowledge base and draw conclusions
  • Prolog is a Declarative language
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4
Q

What is an Event-Driven language? (2) Give an example of an Event-Driven language (1)

A
  • An Event-Driven language does not have a specific pathway in which the program instructions are executed
  • Different parts of the program are evoked by events that take place during the running of a program, such as the user clicking on a command button
  • Visual Basic is an Event-Driven language
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5
Q

What is a Scripting language? (2) Give an example of a Scripting language (1)

A
  • Scripting languages are provided with an application package to allow the user to go beyond the features available in the application
  • They allow an expert user to customise the package and can be used to automate repetitive tasks
  • Javascript is a Scripting language
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6
Q

Name 2 features of a Scripting language

A
  • They allow new functions to be added to existing software.

* They can automate repetitive tasks or operations

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7
Q

What is a Macro?

A

A Macro is a set of actions performed by the user that have been recorded and can then be played back when required

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8
Q

What are 2 benefits of using a Scripting language?

A
  • To allow users to extend the functionality of an application
  • To increase productivity through use of macros, which automate repetitive tasks
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9
Q

What is a Compiler?

A

A Compiler is a translator that translates the entire source code into machine code before a program is run

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10
Q

What is an Interpreter?

A

An Interpreter is a translator that translates source code one instruction at a time and executes it when the program is run

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11
Q

What is an advantage of using a Compiler over an Interpreter? (2)

A
  • Compiled programs run fast, as it has been translated before it’s run
  • Interpreted programs run slower, as time is taken to translate code when the program is running
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12
Q

What is an advantage of using an Interpreter over a Compiler? (2)

A
  • Interpretors highlight errors immediately as it only translates one instruction at a time
  • Compiled programs have to be compiled again before being run and tested if an error occurs
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13
Q

What is a module library?

A

It is a collection of pre written subroutines that are available to a programmer to speed up the software development process

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14
Q

What are 2 advantages of using a module library?

A
  • Time is saved in not having to write the same programming code over and over again
  • The module will have been pre tested, so will be free from errors
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15
Q

What 2 pieces of documentation will there be in modules from a module library?

A
  • A description of the function of the module

* The parameters that are passed in and out of the module and their data types

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