Problem Definition in Programming Quiz and Flashcards

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

Which term represents the basic unit of programming logic that performs actions in order without any branching or skipping?

What is the purpose of using variables in programming?

Which term describes the action of repeating certain actions based on the answer to a question?

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

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

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

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

What is Pseudocode according to the text?

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

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

In algorithm design, what does a Flowline symbol represent?

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

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

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

In programming, what is the purpose of a loop?

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

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

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

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.

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.