Computer Fundamentals Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a computer? List the characteristics of a computer.

A computer is an electronic device that can accept data (input), process it according to instructions (program), and produce results (output). Characteristics of a computer:

Speed: Computers can process data very quickly.
Accuracy: Computers are very accurate and rarely make mistakes.
Storage: Computers can store vast amounts of data.
Versatility: Computers can be used for a wide variety of tasks.
Automation: Computers can perform tasks automatically.
Communication: Computers can communicate with other computers.
Reliability: Computers are generally reliable and consistent.
Automatic operation : Computers can be programmed to perform tasks without human intervention.
Memory: Computers can store data and programs for later use.

What is software? Mention the types.

Software refers to the set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. It is the intangible part of a computer system that enables it to perform specific tasks. Types of software:

System Software: These programs manage the basic functions of a computer, such as operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), device drivers, and utilities.
Application Software: These programs are designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and games.
Programming Software: This software helps developers create other software programs. It includes programming languages, compilers, interpreters, and debuggers.

Define compiler and linker.

Compiler and linker are crucial tools in the software development process.

Compiler: A compiler translates high-level programming code (written in a human-readable language like C++, Java, Python) into low-level machine code that the computer can understand and execute. It takes the entire program as input and generates an executable file as output.
Linker: A linker combines multiple object files (compiled code) into a single executable file. It resolves references between different parts of the program and creates a final program that can be run on the computer.

Mention any four header files.

Header files are essential for C programming, providing access to pre-written functions, data structures, and definitions. Common header files include: <ol> <li>stdio.h - Standard input/output operations (printf, scanf)</li> <li>math.h - Mathematical functions (sin, cos, sqrt)</li> <li>string.h - String manipulation (strcpy, strlen)</li> <li>ctype.h - Character handling (isalpha, tolower)</li> </ol>

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What is an array? How to initialize an array?

An array is a data structure that allows you to store a fixed-size collection of elements of the same data type. It provides a sequential way to organize and access elements. To initialize an array, you can use the following steps: <ol> <li>Declare the array: Specify the data type of the elements and the array name along with the size. Example: <code>int numbers[5];</code></li> <li>Assign values to elements: You can assign values to individual elements by specifying their index (starting from 0). Example: <code>numbers[0] = 10;</code> <code>numbers[1] = 20;</code></li> <li>Initialize with values: You can directly assign values to all elements during declaration. Example: <code>int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};</code></li> <li>Partially initialize: You can partially initialize an array by assigning values to some elements. The remaining elements will be assigned a default value (usually 0 for numeric types). Example: <code>int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3};</code> (The last two elements will be 0).</li> </ol>

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Define structure and union.

Structures and unions are user-defined data types in C, allowing you to group different data types under a single name. They organize and organize data in a structured way. <ul> <li>Structure: A structure groups variables of different data types. Each member variable can hold different types of data.</li> <li>Union: A union is similar to a structure but it uses the same memory location for all its members. Only one member can be active at a time.</li> </ul> Example of a structure: <pre><code class="language-c">struct student { char name[50]; int roll_no; float marks; }; </code></pre> Example of a union: <pre><code class="language-c">union data { int i; float f; char str[20]; }; </code></pre>

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What is a C token? List the C tokens.

In C programming, a token is the smallest logical unit of a program. It represents a meaningful piece of information that the compiler can recognize and understand. Tokens are divided into the following categories: <ol> <li>Keywords: Reserved words with predefined meanings, such as <code>int</code>, <code>float</code>, <code>for</code>, <code>if</code>, <code>else</code>, <code>while</code>.</li> <li>Identifiers: Names given to variables, functions, arrays, and other program elements.</li> <li>Constants: Fixed values that cannot be changed during program execution, like numbers (10, 3.14), characters (<code>'A'</code>, <code>'b'</code>), and strings ("Hello World").</li> <li>Operators: Symbols that perform operations on variables and constants, such as <code>+</code>, <code>-</code>, <code>*</code>, <code>/</code>, <code>%</code>, <code>=</code>, <code>==</code>, <code><</code>, <code>></code>.</li> <li>Punctuators: Symbols used to separate and structure the program, like <code>{}</code>, <code>[]</code>, <code>()</code>, <code>;</code>, <code>,</code>, <code>#</code>, <code>#include</code>.</li> <li>Special Symbols: Used to represent specific meanings or values. For example, escape sequences (e.g., <code>\n</code> for newline).</li> </ol>

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Mention the basic data types and their size in bytes.

Basic data types in C programming define the types of values that a variable can hold. Each data type has a specific size in bytes, which determines how much memory is allocated to store that value. Here are some commonly used basic data types and their sizes in bytes: <ul> <li><code>char</code> (character): 1 byte</li> <li><code>int</code> (integer): Usually 4 bytes, but can vary depending on the compiler and architecture</li> <li><code>float</code> (floating-point number): 4 bytes</li> <li><code>double</code> (double-precision floating-point number): 8 bytes</li> <li><code>long</code> (long integer): Usually 4 bytes, but can vary depending on the compiler and architecture</li> <li><code>short</code> (short integer): Usually 2 bytes, but can vary depending on the compiler and architecture</li> <li><code>long long</code> (long long integer): 8 bytes</li> </ul> Note: The actual size of data types might vary depending on the compiler and the specific system architecture. It's recommended to refer to compiler documentation or the <code>sizeof()</code> operator to get the precise size on your system.

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What is machine level language and high-level language?

Machine Level Language (also known as machine code) and High-Level Language are two fundamental programming languages that allow humans to interact with computers. <ul> <li>Machine Level Language: This language is the most basic form of instructions that a computer directly understands. It consists of binary sequences (0s and 1s). This language is difficult for humans to read and write.</li> <li>High-Level Language: This language is more human-friendly and uses English-like commands and structures. It makes programming easier, but it needs to be translated into machine code before the computer can execute it. Examples include C, C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript. The process of translating high-level language into machine code involves either compiling or interpreting. Compilers translate the entire program into machine code, while interpreters process code line by line.</li> </ul>

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What are formal parameters and actual parameters?

Formal parameters and actual parameters are essential concepts in understanding how functions work in programming languages like C. <ul> <li>Formal Parameters: These are variables declared within the parentheses of a function definition. They serve as placeholders for the values that will be passed to the function when it is called.</li> <li>Actual Parameters: These are the actual values or expressions that are passed to the function when it is called. They are used to initialize the formal parameters within the function body.</li> </ul> Take this example: <pre><code class="language-c">void square(int number) { // Formal parameter: number int result = number * number; printf("The square of %d is %d\n", number, result); } int main() { int x = 5; square(x); // Actual parameter: x return 0; } </code></pre> Here, <code>number</code> is the formal parameter, and <code>x</code> is the actual parameter. When the function <code>square</code> is called, the actual parameter <code>x</code> is passed to it, initializing the formal parameter <code>number</code>.

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What is an algorithm? Write an algorithm for the largest of three numbers.

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of instructions designed to solve a specific problem or task. It is a well-defined sequence of operations that takes some input, processes it, and produces an output. Algorithm for finding the largest of three numbers: <ol> <li>Input: Read three numbers (let's call them <code>num1</code>, <code>num2</code>, <code>num3</code>).</li> <li>Initialization: Assign the first number (<code>num1</code>) to a variable called <code>largest</code>.</li> <li>Comparison 1: Compare <code>largest</code> with <code>num2</code>. If <code>num2</code> is greater than <code>largest</code>, update <code>largest</code> to the value of <code>num2</code>.</li> <li>Comparison 2: Compare <code>largest</code> with <code>num3</code>. If <code>num3</code> is greater than <code>largest</code>, update <code>largest</code> to the value of <code>num3</code>.</li> <li>Output: Display the value of <code>largest</code> as the largest number.</li> </ol> Here's the algorithm in pseudocode: <pre><code class="language-c">// Input Read num1, num2, num3 // Initialization largest = num1 // Comparison 1 If num2 > largest, then largest = num2 // Comparison 2 If num3 > largest, then largest = num3 // Output Print largest </code></pre>

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What is flowchart? What are the symbols used for drawing a flowchart?

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm or a program. It uses standard symbols to illustrate the steps, decisions, and flow of data within a process. Symbols used in flowcharting: <ul> <li>Terminal: Represents the start and end of the flowchart (an oval shape).</li> <li>Process: Represents a specific action or step in the algorithm (a rectangle shape).</li> <li>Input/Output: Represents receiving input or displaying output (a parallelogram shape).</li> <li>Decision: Represents a condition where the flow can branch based on the outcome (a diamond shape).</li> <li>Flow Lines: Arrows connecting symbols to show the direction of flow (lines with arrowheads).</li> <li>Connector: Used to connect different parts of the flowchart (a circle shape).</li> <li>Comment: Represents a note or explanation (a rectangle with a dotted line).</li> </ul> Using these symbols, flowcharts provide a visual representation of algorithms, making it easier to understand the logic and sequence of operations involved.

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Flashcards

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that receives, processes, and outputs data. It operates under the control of instructions called software.

What is software?

Software refers to a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. It includes programs, apps, and operating systems.

What is a compiler?

A compiler translates high-level programming code into machine-readable instructions that the computer can execute.