Comparative Programming: Python vs PHP

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of empty expressions in a for statement?

To create an infinite loop in the statement.

To signal that nothing should be done for that phase. (correct)

To indicate the loop should not execute at all.

To terminate the for loop prematurely.

Which of the following best describes a subprogram?

A named block of code that performs a specific task. (correct)

A loop that executes a block of code multiple times.

An array containing multiple values.

A variable that holds data temporarily.

How do you denote the start of a foreach loop in its alternate syntax?

for ($array as $current):

do foreach ($array as $current):

foreach ($array as $current) {

foreach ($array as $current): (correct)

What happens when a subprogram is called?

The calling program is suspended until the subprogram finishes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the parameter profile of a subprogram?

It specifies the number, order, and types of parameters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using subprograms in programming?

They improve code readability and reliability. Signup and view all the answers

In the alternate syntax for a while loop, which keyword concludes the loop?

endwhile; Signup and view all the answers

What type of data can foreach operate on?

Only on arrays. Signup and view all the answers

Which operator is used for multiplication in PHP?

<ul> <li></li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the expression $p % 2 when $p is 5?

1 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the increase in the number of programming languages over the years?

Advancements in electronic technology Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the echo statement in PHP is accurate?

It is a language construct. Signup and view all the answers

What does the increment operator (++) do in PHP?

Increases the value of a variable by 1. Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the Python programming language?

Guido van Rossum Signup and view all the answers

What makes Python particularly suitable for learning how to program?

Simple and readable syntax Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a logical 'And' operation in PHP?

$K == 2 && $G == 45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'else' keyword in PHP?

It specifies an alternative statement if a condition is false. Signup and view all the answers

Which version of Python is considered the most stable for use in this class?

Python 2.7 Signup and view all the answers

Which operator checks if a value is greater than or equal to another value?

<blockquote> = </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human activities does the text suggest has contributed to the rise of programming languages?

Expansion of e-commerce and m-commerce Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Python?

It has a large user community. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the print and echo statements in PHP?

Print is slower than echo. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'open-source' refer to in the context of programming languages like Python?

The language is free to use and modify. Signup and view all the answers

What impact has the advent of mobile computing devices had on programming?

Change in programming paradigms Signup and view all the answers

What does passing parameters by reference allow a function to do?

Modify the original variable directly Signup and view all the answers

How can a function return a value by reference in PHP?

By declaring the function name with an ampersand (&) Signup and view all the answers

What type of functions allow for localized and temporary function definitions in PHP?

Anonymous functions Signup and view all the answers

When a return statement is executed in a function, what happens next?

Control reverts to the calling statement Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of returning a reference from a function in PHP?

It is typically unnecessary due to copy-on-write Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to indicate a parameter will be passed by reference in a function?

Use an ampersand (&) before the parameter name Signup and view all the answers

What will a function return if no return value is specified?

A NULL value Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the `usort()` function is true?

It requires a function to determine sort order. Signup and view all the answers

What does the asterisk (*) before the parameter name in the function definition signify?

It indicates the parameter will be treated as a tuple containing multiple values. Signup and view all the answers

In the function findAverage(num1, num2, num3=8, num4=9), what happens if num3 and num4 are not provided when the function is called?

The default values of 8 and 9 will be used. Signup and view all the answers

What will the function findAverage(*num) return if it is called without any arguments?

It will return 0. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly demonstrates the use of keyword parameters in function calls?

findAverage(3, num4=6, num3=7) Signup and view all the answers

What does the return statement in Python functions do?

It returns the values as a tuple or list if multiple values are provided. Signup and view all the answers

When using keyword parameters, what can be said about the order of arguments in the function call?

Positional arguments must always be listed before keyword arguments. Signup and view all the answers

How are arguments passed to functions in Python?

By assignment, using call by reference. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of changing a parameter value inside a function in Python?

The change will also be reflected in the calling function. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Programming Language Growth

The rise in programming languages is driven by advancements in electronic technology, leading to smaller, more affordable computing devices.
Mobile computing has shifted programming paradigms and expanded application areas.
The internet fosters computing applications beyond traditional scientific and engineering domains.
Growth in multimedia and both e-commerce and m-commerce influences programming trends.
Increased digitization enhances the necessity for diverse programming languages to address unique challenges.

Python Programming

Python was developed by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s.
The first major version, Python 2.0, was launched on October 16, 2000, with Python 3.0 released on December 3, 2008. Python 2.7 remains widely used.
Python is an open-source, high-level programming language characterized by its powerful simplicity, readability, and compact syntax.
Ideal for beginners, Python's large user community ensures continuous enhancements.

PHP Programming

PHP includes both arithmetic and logical operators for performing various calculations and evaluations:
- Arithmetic operators: + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication), / (division), % (modulo)
- Logical operators include && (and), || (or), with key comparisons like < (less than) and >= (greater than or equal to).

Output Statements in PHP

Two main output functions:
- echo: no return value, can take multiple parameters, and is slightly faster.
- print: returns value of 1, uses a single argument, and mostly serves in more complex expressions.

Control Structures in PHP

Conditional statements use if, else, and elseif to control flow based on conditions.
Looping statements include for, while, and foreach, with alternative syntaxes to enhance readability.

Subprograms and Parameter Passing

A subprogram executes a defined task, enhancing code readability and reliability by isolating functionality.
Terminologies:
- Subprogram definition, header, parameter profile, and parameters.
Python supports flexibility with parameters, allowing arbitrary numbers through tuple references using *args and keyword parameters with **kwargs.

Returning Values

Functions return values using the return statement, supporting single and multiple returns via tuples or lists.
Passing parameters can be by value (copy) or by reference (direct access), denoted in PHP with an ampersand (&).

Anonymous Functions in PHP

Anonymous functions (closures) allow defining functions without a name, providing localization and temporary functionality, particularly useful in operations such as sorting arrays.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts and features of Python and PHP in this quiz. This study aims to give insights into the comparative aspects of these two popular programming languages. Perfect for computer science students looking to deepen their understanding of programming languages.