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Questions and Answers
Which symbol is commonly used in flowcharts to represent the start or end of a process?
Which symbol is commonly used in flowcharts to represent the start or end of a process?
What is the primary purpose of pseudocode?
What is the primary purpose of pseudocode?
In the provided pseudocode, what action is performed at Step 4?
In the provided pseudocode, what action is performed at Step 4?
What does the 'if' statement in the provided C++ program exemplify?
What does the 'if' statement in the provided C++ program exemplify?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of flowchart symbols?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of flowchart symbols?
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What is the main function of an interpreter in programming?
What is the main function of an interpreter in programming?
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Which of the following best describes the difference between a file name and a filename extension?
Which of the following best describes the difference between a file name and a filename extension?
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Which programming language is considered a high-level language?
Which programming language is considered a high-level language?
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In which generation of programming languages would you classify machine language?
In which generation of programming languages would you classify machine language?
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What is a primary feature of low-level programming languages?
What is a primary feature of low-level programming languages?
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Which statement is true regarding a compiler?
Which statement is true regarding a compiler?
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What type of language is assembly language primarily associated with?
What type of language is assembly language primarily associated with?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of file mentioned?
Which of the following is NOT a type of file mentioned?
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What is a computer program?
What is a computer program?
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Which statement describes a variable in programming?
Which statement describes a variable in programming?
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What is the primary purpose of keywords in programming languages?
What is the primary purpose of keywords in programming languages?
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What characterizes third generation programming languages?
What characterizes third generation programming languages?
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What differentiates executable statements from non-executable statements?
What differentiates executable statements from non-executable statements?
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What is a key feature of fourth generation programming languages?
What is a key feature of fourth generation programming languages?
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How does syntax differ from semantics in programming languages?
How does syntax differ from semantics in programming languages?
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Which programming paradigm is associated with fifth generation languages?
Which programming paradigm is associated with fifth generation languages?
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What is the function of an SDK in programming?
What is the function of an SDK in programming?
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What is the role of a programmer?
What is the role of a programmer?
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What does an IDE integrate to assist programmers?
What does an IDE integrate to assist programmers?
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Which of the following statements is true about constants?
Which of the following statements is true about constants?
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Which of the following best describes a flowchart?
Which of the following best describes a flowchart?
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What does a variable declaration specify in programming?
What does a variable declaration specify in programming?
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What is the first step in solving problems with programming languages?
What is the first step in solving problems with programming languages?
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Which step follows stating or outlining the solution in program planning?
Which step follows stating or outlining the solution in program planning?
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What is a primary purpose of an API in programming?
What is a primary purpose of an API in programming?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical part of algorithm expression?
Which of the following is NOT a typical part of algorithm expression?
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Study Notes
Programming Concepts
- Programming languages are sets of keywords and grammar rules for creating computer instructions
- A computer program is a set of instructions telling the computer how to perform a task
- A programmer is a person who writes program instructions, otherwise known as source code
Terminologies
- Keyword/Command: A word with a pre-defined meaning, reserved for a program, defining commands and specific parameters. The number of keywords can differ between languages.
- Executable vs. Non-Executable Statements: Executable statements usually begin with a keyword and initiate actions (e.g., calculations ), while non-executable statements provide information about data or processing without causing any action.
- Syntax vs. Semantics: Syntax refers to the grammar rules used in programming, similar to grammar in natural language. Semantics describes the function of a command, its meaning, like meaning in a natural language.
- Variable vs. Constant: Variables are memory locations holding values that can change during program execution. Constants hold values that shouldn't change.
- Variable Declaration: This specifies a variable's name and characteristics.
- Variable Datatype: A set of possible values and allowed operations on a variable. It guides the compiler on how to use the data.
- Variable/constant name should be descriptive
-
File name vs. filename extension: File name provides context and relation to other files by describing the file's contents. Filename extension describes characteristics or intended use of the file (e.g.,
.exe,.obj). - File types: Common file types for source codes, objects, executables and data are used.
Terminologies (continued)
- Interpreter: A program translating source code into intermediate representation for execution, executing one statement at a time.
- Compiler: A program that translates high-level language into machine language, executing the entire source code at once.
- Assembler: Translates assembly language to machine code.
Programming Languages Types & Generations
-
Low-level Language: Includes commands specific to a particular CPU or microprocessor, easily understood by the machine.
- Machine Language: Uses binary code (0s and 1s).
- Assembly Language: Uses symbolic code representing instructions.
- High-level Language: Employing command words and grammar similar to human language, easy to understand and write by humans. Example languages: Java, C#, C and C++.
- First Generation: Machine Language; binary instructions understood directly by computer. Example: 0101110110111001
- Second Generation: Assembly Language; low-level language with human-readable instructions used in kernels and hardware drivers. Example: Sub, Add, Mov.
- Third Generation: Easy-to-remember command words and structured steps. These are high-level languages like C, Fortran, and Basic.
- Fourth Generation: Object-oriented language with human-like language structures in database programming and scripting. Example: Java, Python.
-
Fifth Generation: Declarative programming using visual tools. Example: Prolog.
- Programming paradigm: A way to conceptualize and structure tasks performed by a computer. Languages are categorized by a paradigm.
Programming Tools
- SDK (Software Development Kit): Collection of tools for a specific platform to create applications.
- IDE (Integrated Development Environment): Collection of development tools often used in SDKs; provides a sleek programming interface.
- Component: Pre-written module designed for a specific action.
- API (Application Programming Interface): Collection of functions/programs that programmers can use from within their programs.
- VDE (Visual Development Environment): Tools supporting the development of substantial sections/parts of a program visually.
Solving Problems Using Programming Language
- Identify and Understand the Problem: Clearly define the task
- State/outline the solution; break down the problem into steps.
-
Program planning:
- Algorithm: Set of steps for performing a task, recorded manually. Defines steps to manipulate info and produce the desired output. Use flowchart to convey algorithmic steps or pseudocode.
- Flowchart: Graphical representation of algorithm/solution steps using unique symbols, showing the order of events.
- Pseudocode: Step-by-step description of an algorithm using simple English.
- Write the program source code: Use the appropriate programming language to provide instructions for the computer.
- Program testing and documentation: Correct errors, comments, documentation for clarity and maintenance.
Programm Planning (continued)
- Problem statement determines elements to manipulate for the goal.
- Assumptions are accepted as true.
- Known information helps computer solve problems.
- Variables & constants need to be determined.
Algorithms (continued)
- Set of steps to execute the task, often written down.
- Implementing steps to solve the problem manually.
- Specifying how information will be manipulated.
- How to display the result/solution.
- Expressing the algorithm through flowchart or pseudocode.
Flowchart (continued)
- A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm or process.
- It uses various symbols to represent actions/steps, and flow patterns, e.g.:
- Start/Stop
- Input/Output
- Processing
- Decision
- On-page/Off-page connectors
- Predefined Processes
Pseudocode (continued)
- A step-by-step explanation of an algorithm in plain English, not specific to any programming language, for humans to understand.
- A pseudocode can be represented for a task/ problem, like finding the largest of two numbers (A and B).
Writing the program source code (continued)
- Appropriate language should be chosen.
- Example of C++ code (from the presentation) is provided for finding the largest of two numbers.
Program Testing and Documentation (continued)
- Programs must be tested to ensure correctness.
- Errors might include syntax, runtime, or logic errors.
- A debugger can help in finding and correcting errors.
- Comments and documentation clarify the code for programmers.
Program Structures
- Sequence Structure: Instructions are executed in the order they appear.
- Selection Structure: Enables the selection of one path among multiple alternate paths based on conditions, offering choices among different program flows.
- Repetition Structure: Allows set of instructions to be executed multiple times (loops) based on conditions (pre or post conditions).
Sequence Structure (continued)
- Instructions are executed in the order they are written.
- Example: Simple steps to read two numbers and print them.
Selection Structure (continued)
- Select one path among given paths or choices based on conditions.
- Example: Finding the largest of two numbers.
Repetition Structure (continued)
- Instructions are repeated.
- Example: Finding the largest number in a list of numbers
References & Additional Resources
- New Perspectives on Computer Concepts by Dan Oja
- Introduction To The Concepts Of Computer Programming
- Computer Programming Tutorial
- Introduction to Programming and Computer Science (Full Course Video) (likely online)
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Description
Test your understanding of essential programming concepts, including the roles of keywords, syntax, and semantics. Dive into the differences between executable and non-executable statements, as well as variables and constants. This quiz is perfect for aspiring programmers and computer science students.
