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A Level Computer Studies > Unit 1 - Fundamentals of Programming > Flashcards

Unit 1 - Fundamentals of Programming Flashcards

1
Q

Define an algorithm

A

A sequence of instructions that can be followed to solve a problem

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2
Q

Define pseudocode

A

A language which is a simplified coding language

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3
Q

Why do we use pseudocode?

A
  1. It can be easily understood by anybody unfamiliar with programming
  2. It helps to lay out the design of the code
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4
Q

What should you always keep in mind when writing pseudocode?

A

You need to keep the same rules throughout so that your program is consistent

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5
Q

What is an identifier?

A

A name that indicates a memory location

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6
Q

Define assignment

A

Assigning a piece of data to a memory location

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7
Q

Define variable

A

A piece of data held within a memory location

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8
Q

Define constant

A

A variable which does not change throughout the program

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9
Q

What does modulus division do?

A

Returns the remainder of the division

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10
Q

What does div division do?

A

Returns the integer part of the division

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11
Q

How are assignment statements expressed in pseudocode?

A

= or <–

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12
Q

How are input statements written in pseudocode?

A
  1. OUPUT “Enter current mileage”
    currentMileage ← USERINPUT
  2. currentMileage ← USERINPUT(”Enter current mileage”)
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13
Q

List the 6 relational operators and their symbols

A
  1. Equal to (==)
  2. Less than (<)
  3. Greater than (>)
  4. Greater than or equal to (>=)
  5. Less than or equal to (<=)
  6. Not equal to (!=)
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14
Q

List the three logical operators

A
  1. AND
  2. OR
  3. NOT
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15
Q

What happens during iteration?

A

A set of instructions is repeated multiple times

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16
Q

Why is iteration used by programmers?

A

It is more efficient that writing out the same block of code multiple times

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17
Q

Give a situation when an infinite loop is useful?

A

To continuously check the input a device is receiving once it is activated

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18
Q

What is a data type?

A

A set of rules that dictate the range of values a variable can be and how that variable can be manipulated

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19
Q

Define data structure

A

Different methods of storing data within a program

20
Q

Define subroutine

A

A set of instructions with a name that can referenced and applied to data throughout the program

21
Q

What are the two types of subroutines?

A

Procedures and functions

22
Q

What is the difference between the two types of subroutine?

A

A procedure does not return a value where as a function does

23
Q

What is the difference between a parameter and an argument?

A

Parameters appear in subroutine definitions where as arguments appear in subroutine calls

24
Q

Built in subroutines are contained in…

A

Libraries

25
Q

What do you need to do in order to access the subroutines contained within a library?

A

Import the library at the beginning of the program

26
Q

Where will the value returned by a function go?

A

It will be assigned to the same variable that the subroutine is assigned to

27
Q

What is a variable scope?

A

It defines the visibility of a variable and which parts of the program can access it

28
Q

What are local variables?

A

Variables which are defined and used within one subroutine

29
Q

What are global variables?

A

Variables that are defined in the main program and can be used anywhere

30
Q

What is the difference of variable scope between a local variable and a global variable?

A

A local variable can only be used within a subprogram where as a global variable can be used anywhere within the program

31
Q

Why are local variables a good resource for a programmer?

A

There is no chance of accidentally changing a local variable in the main program as it is completely self contained within the subroutine

32
Q

What is modular programming?

A

Breaking down a major task into smaller subtasks

33
Q

Why is modular programming beneficial?

A
  1. Programs are more easily and quickly written
  2. It makes a program easier to manage
  3. Each module can be individually tested
  4. Modules can be re-used
  5. Smaller problems are easier to debug and maintain
34
Q

What are the two types of file?

A

A binary file or a text file

35
Q

Why do we use files?

A

They allow us to organise our data and preserve it between code runs. Files also contain multiple records which can hold different data types

36
Q

Why is it harder to use binary files?

A

Everything has to be in binary including commands and data

37
Q

Define deceleration

A

The process of defining variable and constants in terms of their name and data type

38
Q

Define debug

A

The process of finding and correcting errors in programs

39
Q

Define pointer

A

A data item that identifies a particular element in a data structure

40
Q

Define truncating

A

The process of cutting off a number after a certain number of characters

41
Q

Define rounding

A

The process of reducing the number of characters used to represent a number whilst maintaining approximately the same value

42
Q

Define pseudo-random number generator

A

A function that produces a random number that it not 100% random

43
Q

Define block interface

A

Code that describes the data being passed from one subroutine to another\

44
Q

What are naming conventions?

A

The process of giving meaningful names to elements used in a program

45
Q

What is a call stack?

A

An area of memory allocated to a program to help it track active subprograms

46
Q

What does a call stack broken down into?

A

Stack frames

47
Q

What does a stack frame consist of?

A
  1. A pointer indicating where execution should return to (the return address)
  2. Local variable
  3. Argument parameters

A Level Computer Studies (15 decks)

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