Questions and Answers
A programming language is considered more expressive if it has fewer operators and predefined functions.
False
Type checking can be performed at both compile-time and run-time, but compile-time checking is generally preferred for its efficiency.
True
Run-time type checking is considered less expensive than compile-time type checking.
False
Exception handling capabilities are nonexistent in the C programming language.
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Aliasing refers to having two or more distinct names for different memory locations.
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The convenience of using notations like 'count++' over 'count = count + 1' enhances the expressiveness of a programming language.
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The presence of multiple referencing methods for the same memory location increases the reliability of a program.
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A program is considered reliable if it operates according to its specifications under all circumstances.
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The expressivity of a programming language is unrelated to the number of constructs and primitives it has.
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Languages that restrict aliasing typically aim to enhance their reliability.
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Study Notes
Programming Methodologies Influences
- 1950s-1960s: Focus on machine efficiency for simple applications.
- Late 1960s: Emphasis shifted to human efficiency; introduction of structured programming, top-down design, and step-wise refinement.
- Late 1970s: Transition from process-oriented to data-oriented methodologies, highlighting data abstraction.
- SIMULA 67: Recognized as the first language to provide support for data abstraction.
- Middle 1980s: Emergence of object-oriented programming, integrating data abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Language Categories
- Programming languages are classified into four main categories:
- Imperative
- Functional
- Logic
- Markup/programming hybrid
- Languages supporting object-oriented programming do not constitute a separate category, as they stem from imperative languages. Examples include C and Java, sharing similar expressions, assignments, and control statements.
Imperative Languages
- Characterized by variables, assignment statements, and iteration.
- Encompasses languages supporting object-oriented and scripting languages.
- Examples: C, Java, Perl, JavaScript, Visual BASIC.NET, C++.
Functional Languages
- Computation primarily through function application to parameters.
- Examples: LISP, Scheme, ML, F#.
Logic Languages
- Based on rule specifications without a specific order.
- Example: Prolog.
Markup/Programming Hybrid
- Distinction between markup languages and programming languages.
- Common data structures are arrays and matrices; control structures focus on counting loops and selections.
- Examples: Fortran, ALGOL 60.
Business Applications
- Emerged in the early 1950s, designed for elaborate reporting and precise data handling.
- Features specialized for decimal arithmetic operations and character data storage.
- Example: COBOL.
Programming Domains
- Artificial Intelligence: Emphasizes symbol manipulation over numerical; utilizes linked lists. Languages include LISP and Prolog; newer systems leverage MATLAB, Python, and R.
- Systems Programming: Requires high efficiency due to continuous use. Example: C.
- Web Software: Involves an array of languages including markup (HTML), scripting (JavaScript, PHP), and general-purpose (Java).
- Mobile Applications: Diverse and evolving language standards.
Language Evaluation Criteria
- Readability: Ease of understanding the code.
- Writability: Convenience of creating programs with the language.
- Reliability: Adherence to specified functional requirements.
- Cost: Total expense of acquiring a specific programming language.
Evaluation Criteria: Readability
- Overall simplicity: Favorable readability results from manageable features and constructs.
- Simplicity and orthogonality: Fewer constructs lead to better readability compared to numerous complex primitives.
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Expressivity: Convenience in specifying operations correlates to stronger and more numerous operators; e.g.,
count++poses an advantage overcount = count + 1.
Evaluation Criteria: Reliability
- A program is reliable if it meets specifications under all conditions.
- Type checking: Testing for type errors, ideally handled at compile-time, lowers costs of error correction.
- Exception handling: Capability to intercept run-time errors, with languages like Ada, C++, Java, and C# offering extensive support.
- Aliasing: Refers to multiple references to the same memory location, with some languages limiting aliasing to enhance reliability.
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Description
This quiz explores the evolution of programming methodologies from the 1950s to the 1980s. It covers significant shifts in focus from machine efficiency to people efficiency, and the emergence of structured and object-oriented programming. Test your knowledge on these historical milestones in software development.
