Introduction to Computer Programming - Final Exam Summary

Introduction to Computer Programming (Algonquin College) - Final Exam Summary

• Data Types: Java data types are classified as either primitive or reference types. Primitive types store values directly in memory, while reference types use references/IDs.
• Primitive Types: These types are always lowercase and characterized by size, range, precision and format. Examples include boolean, char, byte, short, int, long, float, and double.
• Reference Types: These are instantiated data types such as Scanner, String, Date, and Student (and more).
• Booleans: Have only two values: true and false.
• Chars: Stored as two-byte values; internally represent numbers (0-65,535). Cannot assign characters to strings (or vice versa).
• Strings: Use double quotes; chars use single quotes.
• Integers/Longs: Adding one to the maximum int/long value results in a negative number; assignments to byte/short variable types convert to integers. To use a 'long' value, append 'L' or 'l' to the number.
• Floats/Doubles: Store decimal values, representing decimal and exponential components. Similar to large integers, there are large data types to support decimals (BigDecimal).
• Scope: Variables declared inside a class have class-level scope; those inside a method are local scope. Block-level scope (if, else, switch or loops) is limited to a specific block.
• Short-form Operations: These operations involve +=, -=, /=, *=, and %= , modifying variables and are performed on the right-hand side (RHS) of the expression before assignment to the left (LHS).
• Prefix/Postfix Operators: Operators like ++ and -- can be placed before or after a variable (prefix or postfix); postfix executes after the expression, and prefix executes before the expression.
• Widening Conversion: Converting from a small data type to a larger data type (e.g., int to long). Implicitly happens automatically in Java.
• Casting: Converting a data type from one to another (e.g., float to int). Often explicit—cast is placed around the expression.
• Constants: Using the keyword final creates constants that cannot be changed (e.g., final float ABSOLUTE_ZERO = -273.15).
• Logic Operators: Java permits logical operations (AND, OR, XOR, and NOT) on boolean types. AND (&), OR (|), XOR (^), NOT (!).
• Short Circuited Operations: AND (&), OR (|) operators in Java might not evaluate both operands.
• Comparison Operators: Allow comparison of numbers (e.g., >, <, <=, >=, ==, !=).
• Precedence and Associativity: Precedence determines which operations are performed first, and associativity defines the order of execution for operations with the same precedence.
• Arrays: A sequential set of values of the same datatype. Elements accessed by index. Can be initialized at creation (e.g., int[] monthSize = {31, 28, 31, ...}).
• Stack and Heap Memory: Stack memory is fast for temporary variables and method calls, while heap memory is for large objects.
• Array Copy: The Arrays.copyOf() method is used to create a defensive copy of an array.

This quiz covers key concepts from the Introduction to Computer Programming course at Algonquin College, focusing on Java data types, including primitive and reference types. It details the characteristics of various data types like booleans, chars, strings, integers, and longs, offering insights essential for your final exam preparation.