1: Introduction to Computer Science

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Questions and Answers

What is identified as the first working electromechanically programmable fully automatic digital computer?

  • Z1
  • Turing Machine
  • Z2
  • Z3 (correct)

The Von-Neumann architecture separates the storage of data and instructions.

False (B)

Who laid the foundations for modern computers?

Alan Turing

The control unit of a computer is responsible for ______ and ______ the instructions.

<p>reading, writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements of a computer with their functions:

<p>Memory (RAM) = Stores data and instructions Processor (CPU) = Processes programs and data Control Unit = Interprets instructions RW Head = Moves across memory locations</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Random Access Memory (RAM) characterized by?

<p>Independent access time on memory locations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The fixed program computer processes information in a conceptual tape format.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology did Konrad Zuse develop during the years 1940-1941?

<p>Z1, Z2, and Z3 computers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the Euclid algorithm when the two lengths a and b are not equal?

<p>The shorter length b is subtracted from the longer length a. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The procedure (Euclid algorithm) described will always terminate regardless of the values of a and b.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition ensures that the procedure (Euclid algorithm) will eventually lead to the lengths becoming equal?

<p>Either a or b becomes shorter in each step.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Euclid algorithm, if c divides both a and b, then c also divides _______.

<p>a - b</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>a = The longer length used in subtraction b = The shorter length used in subtraction c = A common divisor of a and b algorithm = A step-by-step procedure to solve the problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason the Euclid algorithm is effective?

<p>It decreases either a or b in each step. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Euclid algorithm uses different names for the variables a and b as they change values.

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

What can be inferred about the maximum common divisor of a and b at the end of the Euclid algorithm?

<p>It coincides with the final values of a and b.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Control Unit in the Central Processing Unit?

<p>Manage and coordinate the activities of the CPU (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Modern computers can process instructions at speeds measured in terahertz.

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

What type of memory is described as having its own very fast memory for the CPU?

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

In the von Neumann architecture, the _____ is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations.

<p>Arithmetic/Logic Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of the von Neumann architecture with their functions:

<p>Registers = Very fast memory for the CPU Bus = Data transfer pathways RAM = Volatile storage for data and programs I/O = Interfaces for user communication and external devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following computer models has a processing speed of approximately 5 × 10^9 instructions per second?

<p>Raspberry Pi computer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Machine language is a high-level programming language that is easy for humans to understand.

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

What must programming languages do to effectively communicate with a computer?

<p>Translate instructions into machine language</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does syntax primarily deal with in spoken languages?

<p>Connection rules for characters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Semantics in computer programming is easier for computers to understand than syntax.

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

What marks the end of a sentence in both natural languages and programming languages?

<p>punctuation marks or semicolons</p> Signup and view all the answers

Comments in C++ are marked by two leading _____.

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

Match the following programming concepts with their definitions:

<p>Syntax = Connection rules for characters Semantics = Interpretation of program meaning Compiler = Tool that checks for incorrect syntax Annotations = Comments for human understanding</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a compiler in programming?

<p>To translate programs written in a programming language into machine code (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct regarding C++ syntax?

<p>Semicolons separate statements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Humans can easily interpret syntactical errors in programming languages compared to computers.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

C++ is considered harder to learn than Python or JavaScript.

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

What does pseudo-code enable in programming?

<p>It enables arguing about and communicating possible implementations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ISO/IEC standard in relation to C++?

<p>It defines the syntax and semantics of C++.</p> Signup and view all the answers

C++ is well suited for _____ programming and high performance computing.

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

Which of the following statements about C++ is true?

<p>C++ requires careful resource management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

C++ forces programmers to make explicit choices during programming.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of choice does learning C++ help prepare programmers for?

<p>Switching to simpler programming languages</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a compiler do during the compilation of a C++ program?

<p>Translates program text into machine language (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A compiler will always detect semantic errors in a C++ program.

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

What role does the operating system play in programming?

<p>The operating system organizes operations on a computer, such as file handling and executing programs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The C++ program 'power8.cpp' raises a number to the ____ power.

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

Match the C++ components with their functions:

<p>Editor = Creates and modifies program texts Compiler = Translates program text into machine language Machine Language = Language understood by computer hardware Operating System = Manages computer operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible outcomes of a C++ program during runtime?

<p>Correct result, incorrect result, crash, or non-termination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Semantical errors are always caught by compilers at runtime.

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

During compilation, what message does the compiler provide if there are errors?

<p>Error messages</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Euclid's Algorithm

A process for finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers. It involves repeatedly subtracting the smaller number from the larger number until they are equal.

Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The largest number that divides two given numbers without leaving a remainder.

Iteration in Euclid's Algorithm

The process of repeatedly subtracting the smaller number from the larger number in Euclid's algorithm.

Key Property of Euclid's Algorithm

The idea that if a number divides both a and b, it also divides their difference (a - b).

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Termination of Euclid's Algorithm

The fact that in Euclid's algorithm, either 'a' or 'b' becomes smaller in each step, ensuring the process will eventually terminate.

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Variables in Algorithm Execution

Using variable names to represent changing values over time, as seen in Euclid's algorithm.

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Pseudo-Code

A concise and structured way to describe an algorithm's steps, often using English-like syntax.

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Algorithm Design Steps

The process of explaining an algorithm's goal, logic, correctness, and stopping condition, before implementing it on a computer.

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Turing Machine Tape

A conceptual, unlimited storage space where data is represented as a sequence of symbols.

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Read/Write Head

A fundamental component of the Turing Machine, enabling it to read symbols from and write symbols to the tape.

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Fixed Program

A specific set of instructions that dictates the Turing Machine's behavior, including reading, writing, and moving the read/write head.

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Internal State

The state of the Turing Machine's control unit, which reflects its current configuration and determines its next action.

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Control Unit

A key component of the Turing Machine, responsible for interpreting and executing instructions from the fixed program.

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Z3 Computer

A pioneering computer that employed the principles of the Turing Machine, demonstrating the feasibility of a universal, programmable computer.

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Von Neumann Architecture

A fundamental architectural design for computers that stores both data and instructions in the same memory space, enabling greater flexibility and efficiency.

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RAM (Random Access Memory)

A primary memory component in computers that provides random access to data and instructions, allowing for rapid retrieval regardless of location.

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The main processing component of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and manipulating data.

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Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)

A component within the CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations on data.

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Bus

A communication pathway within a computer system that allows different components to exchange data.

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Random Access Memory (RAM)

A type of memory that stores data temporarily while a program is running. It's also known as primary memory.

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Input/Output (I/O) Components

Components that allow the computer to interact with the outside world, such as keyboards, monitors, and network cards.

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Instructions per Second (IPS)

A numerical representation of the number of instructions a computer can execute per second. It indicates computing speed.

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Machine Language

The instructions in a computer program expressed as a sequence of numerical codes understood directly by the processor.

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String

A sequence of characters that represents a piece of text, represented in double quotes, when used in programming.

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Variable

A representation of changing values over time, used in algorithms to store information.

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Iteration

The process of repeatedly applying a set of instructions to achieve a desired result in an algorithm.

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Algorithm Design

A concise and structured way to describe an algorithm's steps, often using English-like syntax.

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Syntax

Rules that govern the arrangement of characters and symbols in a language, similar to grammar in spoken languages.

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Semantics

Rules that define the meaning and interpretation of code, translating it to actions the computer can understand.

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Compiler

A program that translates human-readable code (like C++) into machine-understandable instructions.

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Comment

A statement or instruction in a program that is ignored by the compiler but is helpful for humans to understand the code.

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Semicolon

A sequence of characters that ends a statement in a program, letting the compiler know that one instruction is complete.

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Compilation

A process of translating human-readable code into machine-readable instructions, where the syntax is checked for correctness.

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Program Semantics

The meaning or purpose behind a program, describing what it does and how it achieves its goal.

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Programming Language Standard

A set of rules and definitions that define a programming language, outlining its structure and behavior.

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What is a C++ program?

A C++ program is a sequence of instructions written in the C++ language that, when executed, performs a specific task. It can be a simple program that prints text to the screen or a complex program that manipulates data and interacts with the operating system.

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What is the role of a compiler in C++?

The compiler understands and translates a program's text into machine language that the computer can directly execute.

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What are syntactical and semantical errors?

Syntactical errors are the problems of incorrect C++ grammar. Semantical errors are the problems of incorrect logic or meaning in the program.

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What errors can a compiler detect?

Compilers are designed to detect syntactical errors, ensuring the code is structurally correct. However, they can sometimes also identify certain semantic errors that violate the rules of the C++ language.

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What role does the operating system play in C++ programming?

The operating system manages computer resources, including hardware and software, enabling the execution of programs like editors, compilers, and the compiled C++ programs.

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What is the purpose of an editor in C++ programming?

It allows you to create, modify, and store C++ programs before they are compiled. It's like a notepad for writing your code.

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What are the components of a C++ program?

C++ programs can be divided into various components, such as input, computation, and output. This breakdown helps in understanding the program's function and how different parts interact.

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What are C++ language constructs?

The C++ language provides a set of constructs, or tools, that programmers use to build their programs. These constructs include basic building blocks such as variables, data types, operators, and control flow statements.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Computer Science

  • This course covers computer science, from its origins to practical applications.
  • Computer science is the automation of intellectual activities.
  • Computer science is not the same as computer literacy.

Algorithms

  • An algorithm is a series of instructions that solve a problem step-by-step.
  • Computer science algorithms are essentially simplified steps for a computer, as computers are not intelligent.
  • Euclidean algorithm is a practical application/example of an algorithm.

Introduction

  • Computer science has evolved from theoretical mathematics to practical application.
  • Turing machines form the basis of modern computers.
  • High-level programming languages and tools are used for writing programs.

Core Ideas

  • Core ideas cover the essential concepts of an algorithm, expressed in pseudo-code, and how a computer executes programs.
  • Pseudo-code, or "semi-detailed" representations are for humans, and instructions for computers are very specific to a computer's language.

Three Levels of Abstraction

  • Three levels of abstraction allow for different audiences to understand a complex algorithm.
  • High-level abstraction (concise) provides the core idea.
  • Pseudo-code (semi-detailed) gives a more detailed explanation.
  • Implementation details (very detailed) are specific to language.

Computer

  • A computer, as conceptualized by Alan Turing, is a machine for manipulating symbols stored on a tape.
  • A computer consist of hardware components: Memory, a processor, and I/O components which define the computer's "brains," memory storage, and connection with the outside world, respectively.
  • The von Neumann architecture is a major advancement in computer design, enabling the storage of both data and instructions in a unified memory space.

Programming Languages

  • Programming languages are used to communicate instructions to a computer.

  • Machine language is very low-level and computer-specific.

  • Programming languages are layered (high-level to low-level).

C++ Programs and Its Components

  • Every C++ program has a main function, which is the starting point.
  • Comments in a program, using // denote instructions for programmers, but not for the computer. They are ignored when the program is run.
  • Constants, declared with const can be read, but cannot be changed.
  • Input and output operations are handled using (external) functions that are included in a C++ program (e.g., std:: cout); they are not built into the language.
  • Variables (boxes for storing data) need to be declared with a type, and if necessary, initialized using an assignment operator.
  • Expressions, containing operators and variables, represent computation.

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