Problem Definition in Computer Programming
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Questions and Answers

What type of error does the compiler detect in a program?

  • Logic error
  • Runtime error
  • Structural error
  • Syntax error (correct)
  • Which term represents the basic unit of programming logic that performs actions in order without any branching or skipping?

  • Terminal symbol
  • Loop
  • Structure (correct)
  • Selection
  • What is the purpose of using variables in programming?

  • To add complexity to the code
  • To store and manipulate data (correct)
  • To repeat actions indefinitely
  • To simplify debugging
  • Which term describes the action of repeating certain actions based on the answer to a question?

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

    What is the best suggested variable name that gets the value of an employee's last name?

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

    What is the first step in computer programming, according to the text?

    <p>Problem Definition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Input/Output Symbol represent in algorithm design?

    <p>Data Input/Output Function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symbol in algorithm design represents the sequence of available information and executable operations?

    <p>Flowline symbol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Pseudocode according to the text?

    <p>A mix of natural language and programming languages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key purpose of breaking up a problem into smaller subproblems in computer programming?

    <p>To simplify the overall problem-solving process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symbol in algorithm design is used to represent a decision that determines the path to be followed among alternatives?

    <p>Decision symbol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In algorithm design, what does a Flowline symbol represent?

    <p>Sequence of available information and executable operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following provides a clear specification of the steps needed to solve a problem in computer programming?

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

    What is the primary function of an Input/Output Symbol in algorithm design?

    <p>Makes data available for processing and displays processed information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of error does the compiler detect during the program compilation process?

    <p>Syntax errors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In programming, what is the purpose of a loop?

    <p>To repeat actions based on certain conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a terminal symbol in a program's flowchart?

    <p>Indicate the beginning or end of a program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes a memory location in programming whose contents can vary?

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

    What is the main characteristic of a selection structure in programming?

    <p>It asks questions and takes one of two actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Problem Definition and Analysis

    • A clearly defined problem is already half its solution.
    • In computer programming, defining the problem is the first step before creating a solution.
    • Problem analysis involves breaking down the problem into smaller and simpler subproblems.

    Algorithm Design and Representation

    • An algorithm is a clear specification of the steps needed to solve a problem.
    • Algorithms can be expressed in:
      • Natural Language (English)
      • Graphical (Flowchart)
      • Pseudocode (a mix of natural language and programming languages)

    Graphical Representation

    • Process symbol: represents the process of executing a defined operation, represented by a rectangular shape.
    • Input/Output Symbol: represents an I/O function, represented by a parallelogram.
    • Flowline symbol: represents the sequence of available information and executable operations, with lines connecting other symbols.
    • Decision symbol: represents a decision that determines which of a number of alternative paths is to be followed.
    • Terminal symbol: represents the beginning, end, or point of interruption or delay in a program.

    Debugging and Errors

    • Debugging: the process of fixing errors (bugs) in a program.
    • Compile-time error: the compiler detects the error and the program won’t compile until the error is fixed.
    • Runtime errors: errors that occur while the program is executing.

    Structure and Logic

    • Structure: the basic unit of programming logic.
    • Sequence: perform actions in order, with no branching or skipping.
    • Selection: ask a question and take one of two actions.
    • Loop: repeat actions based on the answer to a question.

    Variables

    • Variable: a memory location whose contents can vary, also called an identifier.
    • Best practice for naming variables: use descriptive and clear names, such as employeeLastName instead of empLast, emlstnam, or employeelastname.

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    Quiz Team

    Description

    Understand the importance of clearly defining a problem before creating a solution in computer programming. Learn about problem analysis, breaking down complex problems into simpler subproblems, and algorithm design for efficient solutions.

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