Computer Science Basics Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which statement accurately describes high-level programming languages?

They were primarily developed in the 1980s and 1990s.

They are less abstract and closer to machine language.

They resemble human language more than assembly language. (correct)

They require explicit memory management in every instance.

What is a correct characteristic of identifiers in Python?

They must include at least one symbol.

They can start with digits.

They are not case sensitive.

They cannot contain spaces. (correct)

What is true about the identity of an object in Python?

It can be changed during the execution of the program.

It is specific to the type of data stored in the object.

It can be accessed using the built-in function id(). (correct)

It is the same as the value of the object.

Which of the following data types is immutable?

Strings Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of incremental development?

Testing after every few lines of code written. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a compiler in programming?

To translate high-level programming languages into low-level machine instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes a container in programming?

It organizes similar or related values together and contains references to other objects Signup and view all the answers

What would be the best choice for a data type if order is important and the data should remain unchanged?

Tuple Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of computational thinking?

To solve problems logically by breaking them into smaller parts and finding patterns Signup and view all the answers

What does decrementing refer to in programming?

Decreasing a value by a fixed amount repeatedly Signup and view all the answers

Which processor speed corresponds to a more expensive processor typically found in smart devices?

1 GHz Signup and view all the answers

What can be defined as a unique number used to represent every possible character in Unicode?

Code point Signup and view all the answers

What does debugging involve?

Finding and fixing bugs in existing code Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the function of a core in a processor?

It executes instructions and performs computations Signup and view all the answers

Which data type can be appended to but not mathematically added?

String Signup and view all the answers

What is a keyword in Python?

A reserved word with a special meaning in the language Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about lists is true?

Each element in a list is referred to by its index Signup and view all the answers

What does a logic error refer to in programming?

A bug in the code that causes incorrect behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of memory in a computer?

To temporarily hold data and instructions for quick access Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a literal in Python?

'Hello, World!' Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of leading zeros in a number?

They are necessary for formatting purposes in programming Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'megabyte' refer to?

A unit equal to 1,000,000 bytes Signup and view all the answers

How are machine instructions represented in a computer?

As sequences of 0s and 1s Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a programming language compared to a scripting language?

To create larger and more complex software applications Signup and view all the answers

What does Pseudocode provide in the context of programming?

A detailed description of how a program should function that is easy for humans to understand Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of Python contributes to its overhead costs?

The fact that it is an interpreted language Signup and view all the answers

In RAM, what does 'random access' refer to?

Accessing any memory location without the need for sequential searching Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct definition of refactoring in programming?

Revising code for better performance and efficiency Signup and view all the answers

How do replacement fields function in an f-string in Python?

They allow any data type to replace an expression when printed Signup and view all the answers

What represents a runtime error in programming?

An error caused by attempting a division by zero operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Python Enhancement Proposal 8 (PEP 8)?

It sets the standards for writing Python code efficiently Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about a repeating decimal is correct?

It continues infinitely with a specific digit or sequence Signup and view all the answers

What best describes 'respectively' in a mathematical context?

It aligns elements in the same order mentioned for clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a seed in the random module?

To generate repeatable pseudo-random sequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a script in programming?

A saveable file containing interpreter-executable instructions. Signup and view all the answers

How are numbers represented in scientific notation?

With an 'e' representing powers of 10. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a set in programming?

A mutable unordered collection of unique elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is a string literal?

A fixed sequence of characters enclosed in quotation marks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes sequence types?

They hold items in a specific order and can be accessed using an index. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a software program?

To execute tasks and perform operations on a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What does the empty string represent?

A sequence with no characters. Signup and view all the answers

What type of programming task are scripting languages primarily designed for?

Automating smaller tasks without the need for compilation. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an OverflowError occurs in a programming context?

A floating-point value exceeds the allocated memory range. Signup and view all the answers

What is an executable program?

A sequence of machine instructions that can be run. Signup and view all the answers

In what context is formatted string literal (f-string) primarily used?

To format strings by evaluating variables when printed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an escape sequence in programming?

To represent special characters in a string. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a float data type?

It includes a decimal point but may not always show it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'End-of-Life' signify in technology?

The time when a product no longer receives updates or support. Signup and view all the answers

How is memory managed through Garbage Collection (GC)?

By automatically reclaiming memory from objects that are no longer needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a function in programming?

A collection of statements executed collectively by the program. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'evaluate' process refer to in programming?

To interpret an expression and compute its resulting value. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of good (or best) practices in programming?

They focus on improving the readability and maintainability of code. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the function of a disk (hard drive)?

It stores files by aligning magnetic particles along a surface. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a floating-point literal in programming?

A number written with a fractional part, even if zero. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a list in programming?

Lists allow you to change, append, and remove elements easily. Signup and view all the answers

What does a literal represent in a programming context?

A specific value coded directly into the program. Signup and view all the answers

In programming, what is the primary effect of having leading zeros in a number?

They can change how a number is interpreted, such as in octal representation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a line of code?

A single instruction that the computer can execute. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'memory' in computing?

A circuit for storing temporary data represented as 0s and 1s. Signup and view all the answers

What is a keyword in the context of the Python programming language?

A term that has a specific function and cannot be used as an identifier. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of a logic error in programming?

It leads to incorrect operation of the program despite running successfully. Signup and view all the answers

How is a list defined in Python?

By enclosing variables or literals in square brackets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a disk drive?

To provide non-volatile storage for files and data Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'overflow' specifically refer to in programming?

When a value is too large for the allocated memory Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic accurately defines a floating-point number?

It can represent very large or very small values with decimals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of escape sequences in programming?

To introduce special characters in strings Signup and view all the answers

What is a formatted string literal (f-string) primarily used for?

To format strings dynamically during execution Signup and view all the answers

How does garbage collection (GC) function in programming languages?

It frees up memory from unused objects Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'good practices' refer to in programming?

Methods that enhance code readability and maintainability Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the evaluation of an expression in programming?

The expression's result is calculated based on precedence rules Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'execute' term refer to in programming?

To run and carry out a specified program Signup and view all the answers

What describes the function of an element in a programming context?

A single item in a list or collection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines floating-point literals?

Numbers represented with their fractional parts Signup and view all the answers

What does 'End-of-Life' denote in technology?

When a technology is deprecated and unsupported Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes a function in programming?

A modular set of statements executed when called Signup and view all the answers

What determines the outcome of a relational operator comparison between two sequences?

The first mismatching elements in the sequences Signup and view all the answers

What is typically meant by the term 'output' in programming?

Information displayed to users Signup and view all the answers

What error occurs when a value exceeds the allocated memory limits in Python?

OverflowError Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes peripherals in a computing context?

Input/output devices used in a computer system Signup and view all the answers

Why is it a good practice to use parentheses in mathematical expressions?

To clarify the order of operations Signup and view all the answers

What role does the processor (or CPU) play in a computer?

Executing instructions and processing data Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when floating-point values are referred to as limited by range in Python?

There exists a maximum and minimum representable value Signup and view all the answers

How does a processor maintain speed during operations?

Through a clock mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'presentation type' determine in programming?

How information is represented in text form Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer program is responsible for performing computations?

Processor Signup and view all the answers

How is a method typically called in Python?

By using dot notation with the method name and object Signup and view all the answers

What does Moore’s Law describe?

The rate at which microprocessors evolve and improve Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding Python modules?

A module can be utilized in other programs via the import statement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of naming conventions in programming?

To select names that are meaningful and easily identified Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding string concatenation in Python?

It creates a new string without altering the original. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a mutable object in Python?

It can have its type or contents modified Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines a string literal?

The actual characters enclosed within quotation marks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of non-volatile memory?

It retains information even when the power is turned off Signup and view all the answers

How can you determine the length of a string in Python?

Utilize the len() function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an operand?

The values used in an equation Signup and view all the answers

What is an implication of string immutability in Python?

New strings are generated when changes are made. Signup and view all the answers

What does a syntax error typically indicate?

The rules of the programming language were violated. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'nesting' refer to in programming?

Placing commands within one another using parentheses Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the import statement in Python?

It allows the use of functions and variables from a module Signup and view all the answers

How is a switch defined in an electronic context?

It allows electricity to flow when activated by a voltage. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sunset' refer to in IT?

The planning for the removal or discontinuation of a service. Signup and view all the answers

How can you describe an operator in programming?

A symbol that performs a computational task Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for correctly using an if-else statement in Python?

Using == to compare values. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'name binding'?

The association of names with interpreter objects Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mutability' refer to in programming?

Whether an object's value can be altered Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about a microprocessor?

It integrates multiple components on a single chip Signup and view all the answers

In Python, what does a module primarily do?

Encapsulates logic for readability and reuse Signup and view all the answers

What does a seed do in the random module?

Provides a starting point for generating pseudo-random numbers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a set in programming?

A mutable unordered collection of unique elements Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a scripting language from traditional programming languages?

Scripting languages execute directly without the need for compilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a script in programming?

To execute a series of instructions through an interpreter Signup and view all the answers

How is an empty string defined?

A sequence type with no elements Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a sequence type in programming?

It can hold items in a specific order and allows index access Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes scientific notation?

A way of expressing very large or small numbers efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of sequence-type functions?

To manipulate and manage collections such as lists and strings Signup and view all the answers

What does a statement signify in programming?

An instruction that performs an operation within a program Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Absolute Value

Ignores whether a number is positive or negative

Abstraction

Hides the details; reduces control
Recipe title hides steps
Coding functions, variables, block-based code
Opposite of algorithm

Algorithm

Sequence of steps to solve a problem
Detailed steps (opposite of abstraction)
Step-by-step instructions

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)

Common character encoding format
Basic text (plain text)
Not formatted/created by Notepad, Doc files
Check Unicode values in zyBooks

Append

To add something

Application (App)

Same as program

Argument (Parameter)

Items passed to a function
Separated by commas
Python: argument
Other languages: parameter

Assembler

Converts assembly language to machine instructions
Human-readable processor instructions

Assembly (Language Instructions)

Language easier for humans
Translated using an assembler

Assignment Statement

Assigns a value to a variable
Uses an equal sign

Base

Base 2: Binary (0, 1); digits weighted by increasing powers of 2
Base 10: Decimal (0-9); digits weighted by increasing powers of 10

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

First program run on a computer
Sets up peripherals

Binary Numbers

Usually stored in memory location 0
0s and 1s

Bits (Binary Digits)

Smallest unit of data a computer can store
Represented as 0/1, true/false, on/off, yes/no

Byte

Sequence of 8 bits

Bug (Logic Error)

Flawed logic in a program
Code that doesn't work as expected

Cache

Small, fast RAM on the processor
Faster access than main memory

Camel Case

Naming convention (separate words start with capitals)

Case Sensitive

Upper and lowercase letters are treated differently

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Same as processor or microprocessor

Clock

Measures and controls the speed of instructions

Code

Textual representation of a program (written or typed)
Binary numbers, but more human readable

Code Point

Unique number representing a character using Unicode

Compiler

Translates high-level language to low-level machine instructions

Computational Thinking

Finding solutions by breaking down problems
Step-by-step solutions

Computer

Device with a processor interacting with memory
Includes personal computers, laptops, tablets, etc.

Concatenate

Joining things together

Container

Structure holding similar/related values

Core

Processor components in an IC

Crash

Abrupt and unintended program termination
Often due to a runtime error

Data Type

Category of information

Debugging

Finding and fixing program errors; troubleshooting

Decrementing

Decreasing a value by a set amount (opposite of incrementing)

Disk (Hard drive)

Non-volatile hardware for storing data
Permanent storage

Element

Part of a list

End-of-Life

When a product no longer receives support

Error

Problem with a program, often due to syntax or runtime
- Logic errors are bugs

Escape Sequence

Two-item sequence for special characters
Used with backslash (e.g., \n for newline)

Evaluate

Doing the math; calculating a value

Executable

Sequence of machine instructions

Expression

Code that returns a value when evaluated

Execute

Running a program

Identifier

Name given to something or a variable

Identity

Unique numerical identifier for an object
Memory address of the object

Immutable

Values cannot be changed (integers and strings)
- Opposite of mutable

Increment

Increasing a value by a fixed amount
- Opposite of decrementing

Incremental Development

Developing a program in small, incremental steps

Input

Information given to a program

Index

Position of a character or element in a container
- Start from 0 (index 0, 1 ,2...)

Integer

Number without a decimal

Interpreter

Executes a script or program one line at a time

Irrational Number

Number that cannot be expressed as a fraction

Iteration

Repeating a process/section of code

Keyboard

Hardware for input

Keyword (Reserved Word)

Words with predefined meanings in a programming language

Line

Row of code

List

Sequence type container
Allows mixed data types
Mutable

Literal

Specific value used in a program (e.g., 2, "abc")

Logic Error (Bug)

Same as bug

Machine Instruction

Program instructions represented by 0s and 1s

Megabyte (Megabyte)

One million bytes

Memory

Stores 0s and 1s in locations with addresses
Like labeled mailboxes

Method

Function associated with an object

Microprocessor

Processor on a single chip

Module

Python code file
Can be imported and used in other scripts

Moore's Law

Observation that computer processing power roughly doubles every two years

Mutable

Values can be changed (opposite of immutable)

Name (Identifier)

Name for a variable or other object

Name Binding

Association of names with interpreter objects

Naming Conventions

Consistent system for naming variables

Non-Volatile

Data persists even when the power is off

Number Type

Category that includes integers, floats, etc.

Numeric Type

Data type that can be assigned mathematical operations

Object

Representation of a value created by the interpreter

Operand

Value or variable in a calculation

Operator

Symbol that performs a calculation (e.g., +, -, *, /)

Operating System (OS)

Program enabling the usage of other programs

Output

Program results/response, shown to the user

OverflowError

Error produced when a value is too large to store

Peripherals

Input/output devices

Precedence Rules

Order of operations in an expression

Program

Sequence of instructions for the computer to follow

Programming Language

Language humans use to write instructions for a computer

Processor

Performs calculations

Pseudocode

Description of a program
Easier for humans to read

Pseudo-Random

Random values, but generated with an equation

Runtime Error

Error during program execution when program attempts an impossible operation; similar to bugs but could be other errors as well

Scientific Notation

Way to express extremely large or small numbers

Script

Program instructions handled by an interpreter, not a compiler

Scripting Language

Program created for a specific task

Seed (Random Library)

Integer value used for creating random sequences
Ensures same random number can be reproduced if the number is needed again

Sequence Type

Data type with items in a specific order

Set (or Set Type)

Mutable collection of unique elements (no duplicates)
Unordered, therefore does not have an index position

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on fundamental computer science concepts such as absolute value, algorithms, and ASCII. This quiz covers essential terms and definitions to help you understand the building blocks of programming and computer languages.