Computer Fundamentals Quiz

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:

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

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:

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

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.

<p>Header files are essential for C programming, providing access to pre-written functions, data structures, and definitions. Common header files include:</p> <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> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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:</p> <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> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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.</p> <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> <p>Example of a structure:</p> <pre><code class="language-c">struct student { char name[50]; int roll_no; float marks; }; </code></pre> <p>Example of a union:</p> <pre><code class="language-c">union data { int i; float f; char str[20]; }; </code></pre> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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:</p> <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 (&quot;Hello World&quot;).</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>&lt;</code>, <code>&gt;</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> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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:</p> <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> <p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Machine Level Language (also known as machine code) and High-Level Language are two fundamental programming languages that allow humans to interact with computers.</p> <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.<br /> 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> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Formal parameters and actual parameters are essential concepts in understanding how functions work in programming languages like C.</p> <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> <p>Take this example:</p> <pre><code class="language-c">void square(int number) { // Formal parameter: number int result = number * number; printf(&quot;The square of %d is %d\n&quot;, number, result); } int main() { int x = 5; square(x); // Actual parameter: x return 0; } </code></pre> <p>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>.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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.</p> <p>Algorithm for finding the largest of three numbers:</p> <ol> <li> <strong>Input:</strong> Read three numbers (let's call them <code>num1</code>, <code>num2</code>, <code>num3</code>).</li> <li> <strong>Initialization:</strong> Assign the first number (<code>num1</code>) to a variable called <code>largest</code>.</li> <li> <strong>Comparison 1:</strong> 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> <strong>Comparison 2:</strong> 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> <strong>Output:</strong> Display the value of <code>largest</code> as the largest number.</li> </ol> <p>Here's the algorithm in pseudocode:</p> <pre><code class="language-c">// Input Read num1, num2, num3 // Initialization largest = num1 // Comparison 1 If num2 &gt; largest, then largest = num2 // Comparison 2 If num3 &gt; largest, then largest = num3 // Output Print largest </code></pre> Signup and view all the answers

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