Computer Science Basics Quiz
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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?

<p>Strings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of incremental development?

<p>Testing after every few lines of code written. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a compiler in programming?

<p>To translate high-level programming languages into low-level machine instructions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes a container in programming?

<p>It organizes similar or related values together and contains references to other objects (D)</p> 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?

<p>Tuple (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of computational thinking?

<p>To solve problems logically by breaking them into smaller parts and finding patterns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does decrementing refer to in programming?

<p>Decreasing a value by a fixed amount repeatedly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>1 GHz (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Code point (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does debugging involve?

<p>Finding and fixing bugs in existing code (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It executes instructions and performs computations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>String (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a keyword in Python?

<p>A reserved word with a special meaning in the language (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about lists is true?

<p>Each element in a list is referred to by its index (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a logic error refer to in programming?

<p>A bug in the code that causes incorrect behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of memory in a computer?

<p>To temporarily hold data and instructions for quick access (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>'Hello, World!' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of leading zeros in a number?

<p>They are necessary for formatting purposes in programming (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'megabyte' refer to?

<p>A unit equal to 1,000,000 bytes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are machine instructions represented in a computer?

<p>As sequences of 0s and 1s (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To create larger and more complex software applications (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Pseudocode provide in the context of programming?

<p>A detailed description of how a program should function that is easy for humans to understand (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of Python contributes to its overhead costs?

<p>The fact that it is an interpreted language (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Accessing any memory location without the need for sequential searching (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct definition of refactoring in programming?

<p>Revising code for better performance and efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They allow any data type to replace an expression when printed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What represents a runtime error in programming?

<p>An error caused by attempting a division by zero operation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It sets the standards for writing Python code efficiently (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about a repeating decimal is correct?

<p>It continues infinitely with a specific digit or sequence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes 'respectively' in a mathematical context?

<p>It aligns elements in the same order mentioned for clarity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To generate repeatable pseudo-random sequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a script in programming?

<p>A saveable file containing interpreter-executable instructions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are numbers represented in scientific notation?

<p>With an 'e' representing powers of 10. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a set in programming?

<p>A mutable unordered collection of unique elements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a string literal?

<p>A fixed sequence of characters enclosed in quotation marks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes sequence types?

<p>They hold items in a specific order and can be accessed using an index. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a software program?

<p>To execute tasks and perform operations on a computer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the empty string represent?

<p>A sequence with no characters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Automating smaller tasks without the need for compilation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an OverflowError occurs in a programming context?

<p>A floating-point value exceeds the allocated memory range. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an executable program?

<p>A sequence of machine instructions that can be run. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To format strings by evaluating variables when printed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an escape sequence in programming?

<p>To represent special characters in a string. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a float data type?

<p>It includes a decimal point but may not always show it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The time when a product no longer receives updates or support. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is memory managed through Garbage Collection (GC)?

<p>By automatically reclaiming memory from objects that are no longer needed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a function in programming?

<p>A collection of statements executed collectively by the program. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To interpret an expression and compute its resulting value. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They focus on improving the readability and maintainability of code. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It stores files by aligning magnetic particles along a surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a floating-point literal in programming?

<p>A number written with a fractional part, even if zero. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Lists allow you to change, append, and remove elements easily. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a literal represent in a programming context?

<p>A specific value coded directly into the program. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They can change how a number is interpreted, such as in octal representation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A single instruction that the computer can execute. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A circuit for storing temporary data represented as 0s and 1s. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A term that has a specific function and cannot be used as an identifier. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It leads to incorrect operation of the program despite running successfully. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is a list defined in Python?

<p>By enclosing variables or literals in square brackets. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a disk drive?

<p>To provide non-volatile storage for files and data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>When a value is too large for the allocated memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic accurately defines a floating-point number?

<p>It can represent very large or very small values with decimals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of escape sequences in programming?

<p>To introduce special characters in strings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To format strings dynamically during execution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It frees up memory from unused objects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Methods that enhance code readability and maintainability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the evaluation of an expression in programming?

<p>The expression's result is calculated based on precedence rules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To run and carry out a specified program (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A single item in a list or collection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines floating-point literals?

<p>Numbers represented with their fractional parts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>When a technology is deprecated and unsupported (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes a function in programming?

<p>A modular set of statements executed when called (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The first mismatching elements in the sequences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Information displayed to users (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>OverflowError (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Input/output devices used in a computer system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To clarify the order of operations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Executing instructions and processing data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>There exists a maximum and minimum representable value (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a processor maintain speed during operations?

<p>Through a clock mechanism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'presentation type' determine in programming?

<p>How information is represented in text form (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Processor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is a method typically called in Python?

<p>By using dot notation with the method name and object (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Moore’s Law describe?

<p>The rate at which microprocessors evolve and improve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding Python modules?

<p>A module can be utilized in other programs via the import statement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of naming conventions in programming?

<p>To select names that are meaningful and easily identified (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding string concatenation in Python?

<p>It creates a new string without altering the original. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a mutable object in Python?

<p>It can have its type or contents modified (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines a string literal?

<p>The actual characters enclosed within quotation marks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of non-volatile memory?

<p>It retains information even when the power is turned off (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Utilize the len() function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an operand?

<p>The values used in an equation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an implication of string immutability in Python?

<p>New strings are generated when changes are made. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a syntax error typically indicate?

<p>The rules of the programming language were violated. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Placing commands within one another using parentheses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the import statement in Python?

<p>It allows the use of functions and variables from a module (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is a switch defined in an electronic context?

<p>It allows electricity to flow when activated by a voltage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The planning for the removal or discontinuation of a service. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can you describe an operator in programming?

<p>A symbol that performs a computational task (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Using == to compare values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'name binding'?

<p>The association of names with interpreter objects (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mutability' refer to in programming?

<p>Whether an object's value can be altered (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about a microprocessor?

<p>It integrates multiple components on a single chip (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Python, what does a module primarily do?

<p>Encapsulates logic for readability and reuse (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a seed do in the random module?

<p>Provides a starting point for generating pseudo-random numbers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a set in programming?

<p>A mutable unordered collection of unique elements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a scripting language from traditional programming languages?

<p>Scripting languages execute directly without the need for compilation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a script in programming?

<p>To execute a series of instructions through an interpreter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is an empty string defined?

<p>A sequence type with no elements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a sequence type in programming?

<p>It can hold items in a specific order and allows index access (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes scientific notation?

<p>A way of expressing very large or small numbers efficiently (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of sequence-type functions?

<p>To manipulate and manage collections such as lists and strings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a statement signify in programming?

<p>An instruction that performs an operation within a program (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

High-Level Language

Programming languages designed for human use, unlike machine language, using formulas or algorithms.

Identifier (Name)

A unique name given to a variable or object in a program, following specific rules.

Identity (of an object)

A unique numerical value that identifies an object in memory.

Immutable object

An object whose value cannot be changed after creation.

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Increment (in development)

Small step-by-step addition of code parts in a programming project to ensure accuracy, functionality, and testing.

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Code

The textual representation of a program, fundamentally a series of instructions for a computer.

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Code Point

A unique numerical representation for a character, used in systems like Unicode.

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Compiler

A program that converts high-level language programs into low-level machine instructions.

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Computational Thinking

The process of creating step-by-step instructions to solve a problem by breaking it into smaller parts.

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Computer

A processor interacting with memory, used to process information and perform tasks.

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Concatenate

To join together or combine multiple things, especially data.

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Container

A programming structure to hold or organize similar data values.

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Data Type

A category of information that dictates how a value can be used or handled in a computer.

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Debugging

The process of finding and fixing errors (bugs) in a program.

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Crash

The sudden and unexpected termination of a program.

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OverflowError

Occurs when a value is too large to be stored in the allocated memory.

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Escape Sequence

Two-item sequences that instruct the IDE on special characters.

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Evaluate

Process of an expression calculating to a value.

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Executable Program

A sequence of machine instructions.

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Execute

To run a program.

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Expression

Code that returns a value when evaluated.

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Float (Floating-Point)

Data type for real numbers with or without decimals.

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Disk (Hard Drive)

Non-volatile storage device for files.

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Flash Storage

Non-volatile electronic storage.

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Element

An item in a list.

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End-of-Life

When a product stops receiving support or upgrades.

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Error (Syntax)

An error in the structure/form of code.

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Formatted String Literal (f-string)

Used for formatting strings in programs.

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Function

A set of instructions with a name.

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Function Call

Invoking a function by its name.

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Keywords

Words that Python uses for specific functions, preventing programmers from using them for variable names.

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List

Ordered collection of items, containing different data types, enclosed in square brackets.

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Literal

A direct value in code, like a number or string, used as is.

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Machine Instructions

Computer commands written in binary (0s and 1s), understood by the hardware.

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Megabyte

A unit of digital storage equal to one million bytes.

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Memory

Electronic circuit containing multiple locations to store data in the form of 0s and 1s, accessible by their addresses.

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Leading Zeros

Zeros placed before a number, like 007 instead of 7.

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Programming Language

A language used to create software, typically more complex than scripting languages. Examples include Python, Java, and C++.

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Pseudocode

A detailed, human-readable description of what a computer program should do. It uses plain language to outline each step.

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Python

A scripting language known for its simplicity and readability, often used for web development and data analysis.

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Pep 8

Python's style guide that promotes consistent and readable code through recommendations on naming conventions, formatting, and code structure.

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Random-Access Memory (RAM)

A temporary storage area in a computer that holds data being actively used. It allows quick access to information needed by the processor.

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Reciprocal

The inverse or opposite of a number, found by dividing it by 1. For example, the reciprocal of 3 is 1/3.

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Refactoring

Simplifying and improving code without changing its functionality. This makes code easier to read and maintain.

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Repeating Decimal

A number where the digits after the decimal point repeat infinitely, like 1.33333... or 0.66666...

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Replacement Field

A placeholder in an f-string that gets replaced with a value when the code is executed. It's indicated by curly braces {}.

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Runtime Error

An error that occurs while a program is running, caused by issues like invalid data input or attempting impossible operations.

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What is Scientific Notation?

A way to write very large or small numbers in a more convenient and concise form, using an 'e' before the power-of-10 exponent.

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What is a Script?

A program whose instructions are executed by an interpreter, saved as a file.

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What is a Seed?

A built-in integer based on the current time, used to generate pseudo-random numbers.

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What is Sequence Type?

A data type that holds items in a specific order, allowing access using an index.

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What is Set?

A mutable, unordered collection of unique elements that doesn't allow duplicate values.

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What is a Statement?

A single program instruction, usually on one line.

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What is a String?

A sequence type that includes anything enclosed in quotation marks.

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What does 'len()' do?

A built-in function that returns the length of a sequence type.

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What is a Scripting Language?

A language created in the 1960's and 1970's used to execute programs without compilation, ideal for smaller tasks.

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What is Software?

The intangible programs or instructions used by a computer.

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Error

A problem in a program causing it to malfunction, including syntax, logic, runtime, and overflow errors.

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Formatted String Literal

A string that allows formatting of text and values using special characters.

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Good Practices

Guidelines for writing code that improve readability and maintainability without affecting functionality.

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Hardware

The physical parts of a computer system, like a keyboard, monitor, and storage devices.

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What are Leading Zeros?

Extra zeros placed before a number, like '007' instead of just '7'.

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What is a List?

A container that holds different values, like numbers or text, in a specific order.

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What is Memory?

A circuit in a computer that stores data as a series of 0s and 1s, like a giant set of mailboxes.

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String

A sequence of characters enclosed in quotes, representing text data. For example, 'Hello World!' is a string.

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String Literal

The actual text content within the quotes that defines a string. It's the raw data of the string.

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String Concatenation

Combining two or more strings into a single string using the '+' operator.

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Immutable String

A string whose content cannot be changed directly. To modify a string, you need to create a new string with the desired changes.

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f-string

A formatted string using the 'f' prefix, allowing for dynamic insertion of values and expressions within the string.

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Syntax

The set of rules governing the structure and elements of a programming language.

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Syntax Error

An error that occurs when the code violates the programming language's rules of syntax.

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What is a screen (or monitor)?

The hardware that displays information to the user.

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What is a set (or set type)?

A mutable, unordered collection of unique elements. It doesn't allow duplicate values.

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What is a string (or string literal)?

A data type that represents a sequence of characters enclosed in quotation marks.

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Relational Operators

Operators that compare values and return True or False based on the relationship between them. Examples: <, >, <=, >=, ==, !=

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Compound Operators

Shorter ways to update variables by combining an arithmetic operator and assignment operator. For example, instead of 'x = x + 5', use 'x += 5'.

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Output

Information provided by a program, usually displayed to the user for viewing. Examples include text on the screen, pop-ups, or characters displayed when typing.

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Peripherals

Hardware devices used to receive input or display output, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or printer.

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Precedence Rules

The order in which operations are evaluated in a program. It's essential to understand this order when writing complex expressions to ensure they are interpreted correctly.

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Presentation Type

Specifies how a value should be represented in a text format, using format specifiers in a string literal. For example, to represent a number with a fixed number of decimal places.

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Processor (CPU)

The central processing unit, responsible for running programs, executing instructions, and performing calculations. Think of it as the brain of the computer.

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Process

The way a program manipulates or performs computations on input data to produce an output result. For example, adding two numbers together.

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Microprocessor

A processor that fits on a single chip, able to perform complex calculations, and continually improving in speed and capabilities.

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Moore's Law

A principle stating that the power of computer chips doubles approximately every two years.

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Mutable

Describes a value that can be changed after its creation.

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Name Binding

The process of giving names to values in a Python program, linking names to specific objects in memory.

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Naming Conventions

Guidelines for choosing meaningful and understandable names for variables, functions, and other elements in a program.

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Numeric Type

A data type for numbers that supports mathematical operations like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

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Object

A value that represents a specific piece of data in a Python program, like a number, a string, or a list, created automatically by the interpreter.

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Operand

The numbers or values used in an equation, that are acted upon by an operator.

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Operator

Symbols that perform specific operations on operands, like addition (+), subtraction (-), and multiplication (*)

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Non-Volatile

Refers to data storage that retains its contents even when the power is off, like a physical hard drive.

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Open-Source

Describes a product where the source code is freely available, allowing anyone to modify and improve it.

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Python Standard Library

A collection of modules with ready-to-use tools for various tasks, included with the Python programming language.

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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

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