Unit 1 - Fundamentals of Programming

Question 1

What is an algorithm?

Answer 1

An algorithm is a sequence of steps, which if followed, can successfully solve a problem.

Question 2

Define pseudocode.

Answer 2

Pseudocode is a form of code somewhere in the middle of plain English and programming language code. It uses similar statements to code and mathematical terms, and acts as an aid to help plan out the code before you actually start to code.

Question 3

Give an advantage of pseudocode.

Answer 3

As pseudocode is in the middle of a programming language and English, it is generally easy to use as the programmer won’t need to worry about getting the exact programming syntax.

Question 4

What is an identifier?

Answer 4

An identifier is a name which points to a specific memory location.

Question 5

What is assignment?

Answer 5

An assignment is where a value is assigned to a memory location/identifier.

Question 6

Give the names of common data types used in code.

Answer 6

• String
• Character
• Integer (whole number)
• Boolean value
• Decimal (float)

Question 7

Define a variable.

Answer 7

A variable is a memory location holding a data value in a computer program. It can be referenced or changed in a program from time to time.

Question 8

What is a constant?

Answer 8

A constant is a fixed data value which stays the same throughout the whole program and can only be changed in the source code, but the whole program would have to be recompiled for that change in value.

Question 9

Why use a constant?

Answer 9

A constant is useful because if you have a program which is quite number heavy, than instead of changing each individual data value, by changing the value of the constant, all the values in program instantly are updated, saving a significant amount of time.

Question 10

What is the modulus (mod for short) operator?

Answer 10

The mod operator is an operator which returns the remainder of integer division.

Question 11

What is the div operator?

Answer 11

The div operator is an operator which returns only the integer part of integer division.

Question 12

Give examples of string handling functions.

Answer 12

Examples of string-handling functions include the len function which returns the length of a string and the .find function which helps find a certain part of the string, returning the position of the first character of the phrase requested.

Question 13

Define program flow.

Answer 13

Program flow is the sequence of execution of instructions in a program.

Question 14

What do selection statements such as the if statement do?

Answer 14

Selection statements help maintain this program flow throughout the whole program.

Question 15

What is iteration?

Answer 15

Iteration is the repetition of a sequence of instructions in a program. It is very efficient and significantly reduce unnecessarily rewriting lines of code.

Question 16

State the three types of iteration.

Answer 16

• While … ENDWHILE loop
• REPEAT … UNTIL loop
• FOR loop

Question 17

Describe the WHILE loop.

Answer 17

The WHILE loop is an iteration loop where the instructions within the loop will only be executed if the entry conditions are true. This loop is used if the user doesn’t know how many times they will iterate.

Question 18

Describe the REPEAT … UNTIL loop.

Answer 18

The REPEAT … UNTIL loop is an iteration loop where the contents of the loop are executed first then the entry condition is evaluated.

Question 19

What is a range check?

Answer 19

A range check is where the loop will continuously prompt the user for input until a correct value is input.

Question 20

Define an infinite loop.

Answer 20

An infinite loop is a constantly repeating loop of code which arises from an error in a while loop.

Question 21

Give a use of an infinite loop.

Answer 21

Infinite loops are commonly used within computational control and data sensing devices; upon execution of setup code, an infinite loop will help the device constantly check the value of sensors.

Question 22

Give another use of an infinite loop.

Answer 22

Another common use of infinite loops are in 2D games where fast infinite loops are executed to help the sprite catch up with the player’s actions, ensuring a smooth animation.

Question 23

What is a FOR … NEXT loop?

Answer 23

A FOR … NEXT loop is an iteration loop where definite iteration is implemented; this is where the number of repetitions is specified beforehand. A counter variable within the loop will constantly be incremented automatically.

Question 24

What is a subroutine?

Answer 24

A subroutine is a set of instructions with a name appropriate to its role.

Question 25

What is a function?

Answer 25

A function is a subroutine which typically returns one or two values.

Question 26

Describe a local variable.

Answer 26

The local variable is variables which are declared within the subroutine.

Question 27

Describe a global variable.

Answer 27

A global variable is a variable declared within the main program where the subroutine is called.

Question 28

Define the scope of a local variable.

Answer 28

As a local variable is declared within a subroutine, the scope of this type of variable will simply be the subroutine it is in.

Question 29

What is modular programming?

Answer 29

Modular programming is a form of programming where the program is broken down in several subtasks and the subtasks can be further broken down into modules

Question 30

What is the difference between a parameter and an argument?

Answer 30

A parameter is data included in the parentheses of a subroutine/function while an argument is the data included in the calling of a subroutine in the main program.

Question 31

State an advantage of local variable.

Answer 31

The subroutine is independent so the subroutine and its local variable(s) can be reused.

Question 32

Give another advantage of a local variable.

Answer 32

When calling a subroutine in the main program, there is little to no chance of accidentally changing the variable as it is defined already in the subroutine.

Question 33

Describe an advantage of modular programming.

Answer 33

By breaking down a large program into simpler subtasks and modules, it becomes much easier to manage and complete.

Question 34

Give another benefit of modular programming.

Answer 34

Modules can be re-used many times in a program.