Programming Language Subroutines Quiz

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Questions and Answers

In the context of parameter passing methods, which of the following is a common way to pass parameters?

Pass-by-name

Pass-by-value (correct)

Pass-by-variable

Pass-by-reference

What does call by value provide when a subroutine is called?

An additional temporary variable

A direct change to the original variable

A copy of the variable's value (correct)

A reference to the original variable

Which programming language supports both pass-by-value and pass-by-reference techniques?

Python

C++ (correct)

Java

JavaScript

What happens when copies are used in call by value parameter passing?

Additional storage is required Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the static chain in the stack layout?

Referencing the lexically surrounding subroutine Signup and view all the answers

What are the tasks involved in the prologue of the calling sequence?

Passing parameters, saving return address Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between pass-by-value and pass-by-reference parameter passing methods?

The independence of the original variable and its copy Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the static chain in the stack layout?

Referencing the lexically surrounding subroutine Signup and view all the answers

What are the tasks involved in the epilogue of the calling sequence?

Deallocating stack frame, restoring saved registers and pc Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for understanding parameter passing methods in programming languages?

The engineering tradeoffs involved Signup and view all the answers

What is a subprogram that returns a value called?

Function Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the subprogram definition includes the name, kind of subprogram, and the formal parameters?

Subprogram header Signup and view all the answers

What is the variable listed in the subprogram header and used in the subprogram called?

Formal parameter Signup and view all the answers

What is an explicit request for the execution of a subprogram called?

Subprogram call Signup and view all the answers

Which category of subprograms does not return a value?

Procedure Signup and view all the answers

What provides only the protocol, but not the body, of a subprogram?

Subprogram declaration Signup and view all the answers

What represents a value or address used in the subprogram call statement?

Actual parameter Signup and view all the answers

What is the number, order, and types of parameters of a subprogram called?

Parameter profile Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parameter Passing Methods

Common methods include pass-by-value and pass-by-reference.
Call by value provides a copy of the actual parameters to the subroutine, meaning changes in the subroutine do not affect the original variables.
Languages like C++ and Java support both pass-by-value and pass-by-reference techniques.

Call by Value

When using call by value, copies of the arguments are created; changes made to these copies do not impact the original data.
This approach ensures data integrity for the calling function.

Stack Layout and Static Chain

The static chain links nested subprograms, allowing access to non-local variables in a controlled manner.
It acts as a reference for the scope of nested functions in the stack layout.

Calling Sequence: Prologue and Epilogue

Prologue tasks involve saving the current state, setting up the stack frame, and establishing the dynamic link.
Epilogue tasks include restoring the state, cleaning up the stack frame, and returning control to the caller.

Parameter Passing Considerations

A key consideration includes understanding the difference between how data is accessed and modified in pass-by-value versus pass-by-reference, which can impact performance and memory usage.

Subprograms and Their Characteristics

A subprogram that returns a value is called a function.
The header of the subprogram definition contains the name, type (or kind), and formal parameters.

Variables and Execution Requests

The variable listed in the header, used within the subprogram, is referred to as a formal parameter.
An explicit request to execute a subprogram is termed a subprogram call.

Categories of Subprograms

Subprograms that do not return a value are classified as procedures.
Function signatures describe the protocol for a subprogram without detailing the implementation; they specify what parameters are needed.

Parameter Representation

A parameter in a subprogram call can represent either a value or an address, guiding how the function interacts with its inputs.
The parameter list refers to the number, order, and types of parameters expected in a subprogram, which is essential for calling conventions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure of programming language subroutines, including procedures and functions, subprogram calls, headers, and parameter profiles.