CSBP119 Algorithms & Problem Solving Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of a programmer?

To buy computer hardware

To design, create, and test computer programs (correct)

To provide technical support for end-users

To upgrade computer memory

Which component of a computer is considered the most important for running programs?

Central processing unit (CPU) (correct)

Secondary storage devices

Input devices

Main memory

What is the role of main memory in a computer system?

To store programs and data temporarily during operation (correct)

To increase the speed of the CPU

To run antivirus software

To permanently store the operating system

What type of memory is known to be volatile?

Random Access Memory (RAM) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes software?

Set of instructions that a computer follows to perform tasks Signup and view all the answers

What are microprocessors?

CPUs located on small chips Signup and view all the answers

What type of devices are categorized as hardware?

Physical devices like the CPU and RAM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true about main memory?

It retains its information when the computer is powered off. Signup and view all the answers

What coding scheme is primarily used for character representation in computers?

ASCII Signup and view all the answers

Which process is NOT part of the CPU execution cycle?

Load Signup and view all the answers

Which type of language is assembly language considered?

Low-level language Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of an assembler in programming?

Translates assembly language to machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is a key word in the context of high-level programming languages?

Predefined words with specific meanings Signup and view all the answers

What does the syntax of a programming language refer to?

The set of rules governing program structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using high-level languages over low-level languages?

They require no understanding of CPU operations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Unicode is correct?

It can represent characters for other languages. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a solid state drive (SSD) from a hard disk drive (HDD)?

SSD has no moving parts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an input device?

Scanner Signup and view all the answers

Which category of software is designed to make the computer useful for everyday tasks?

Application software Signup and view all the answers

How is binary data represented in a byte?

Using a combination of 0s and 1s. Signup and view all the answers

What value does a bit represent in the binary numbering system?

Only two values: 0 and 1. Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered an output device?

Speaker Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum value that can be stored in a single byte?

255 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes flash memory?

It is portable and has no physical disk. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a compiler in programming?

To translate and save a high-level language program into a separate machine language program Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an interpreter from a compiler?

An interpreter executes one instruction at a time without creating an intermediate program. Signup and view all the answers

In which mode does the Python interpreter allow users to input statements directly from the keyboard?

Interactive mode Signup and view all the answers

Which extension should a file have to be recognized as a Python script?

.py Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a syntax error occurs in a high-level language program while using an interpreter?

The interpreter shows an error message and stops execution. Signup and view all the answers

What is required before using Python on a computer?

Python must be installed and configured properly Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when statements are executed in interactive mode?

Each input waits for a prompt before moving to the next line. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of using script mode in Python?

To save sets of commands for running later as scripts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Computers and Programming

Computers execute programs, which are sets of instructions that guide tasks like word processing or presentations.
Programmers, also known as software developers, design, create, and test these programs.

Hardware and Software

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, including:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Main Memory
- Secondary Storage Devices
- Input and Output Devices
Software controls everything a computer does, categorized into:
- Application Software (e.g., word processors, games)
- System Software (e.g., operating systems, utility programs)

Main Components of a Computer

CPU is the principal component that executes programs; without it, software cannot run.
Main Memory, or RAM, temporarily stores programs and data during execution and is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when powered off.
Secondary Storage Devices retain data permanently; types include:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): uses spinning disks to store data magnetically.
- Solid State Drive (SSD): faster with no moving parts, storing data in solid state.
- Flash Memory: portable storage without a physical disk.
- Optical Devices: data encoded through optical methods.

Input and Output

Input refers to data collected from users or devices, processed by input devices like keyboards and mice.
Output is the data produced by the computer, formatted by output devices like monitors and printers.

Data Storage

Computers store all data in binary form (0s and 1s).
A byte consists of 8 bits, used to represent characters and small numbers.
ASCII coding scheme represents 128 characters; Unicode is more comprehensive, including support for multiple languages.

Program Execution

The CPU executes programs through a cycle comprising:
- Fetch: Reading instructions from memory.
- Decode: Interpreting which operation to perform.
- Execute: Carrying out the operation.
Assembly language serves as an intermediary between machine language and human-readable instructions, simplifying coding.

Programming Languages

High-Level languages facilitate complex program creation without needing detailed CPU knowledge.
Statements in high-level languages use predefined keywords and operators governed by syntax rules.
Compilers convert high-level code into machine language, creating a separate executable file, while interpreters (like Python) translate and execute code line by line.

Python Programming

Python requires installation of the interpreter, functioning in two modes:
- Interactive Mode allows real-time statement entry, useful for learning.
- Script Mode saves code in files (with .py extension) for execution from the command line.

Summary

Key topics include computer hardware components, software types, data storage methods, CPU operations, and execution cycles. Proficiency in Python and understanding its interpreter modes are pivotal for programming tasks.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of Chapter 1 in the CSBP119 course, focusing on the introduction to computers and programming. Understand the fundamentals of hardware, software, data storage, and how programs function, particularly using Python. This quiz will test your knowledge and comprehension of these essential topics.