Understanding Computer Science Basics

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Why is it important to understand how a computer works at a low level?

It improves the quality of high-level programming languages

It helps in understanding the motivation behind certain approaches in computer science (correct)

It simplifies the process of learning high-level programming languages

It makes coding more casual and accessible

What is the consequence of not knowing the low-level details of a machine when coding?

Enhanced user satisfaction with software

Increased efficiency in software engineering

Strict enforcement of coding standards

Low code quality and high tolerance for it (correct)

Why have high-level programming languages been designed to abstract from low-level machine details?

To make coding more casual and accessible

To remove the need for understanding the machine (correct)

To encourage low code quality

To simplify the learning process for programmers

What has been the trend in teaching coding to people in terms of understanding the machine?

Trend towards ignoring the machine when teaching coding Signup and view all the answers

Why are electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers mentioned in comparison to software engineers?

To highlight the differences in discipline and standards Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of the von Neumann architecture?

The von Neumann bottleneck due to a single memory bus for both code and data Signup and view all the answers

What is the key advantage of a von Neumann machine over Harvard architecture?

Common address space for code and data Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of the Harvard architecture over a von Neumann machine?

Ability to fetch code and data simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

Why is the memory bus referred to as the von Neumann bottleneck?

Because it needs to transport code and data on the same bus when the machine is running Signup and view all the answers

How does a von Neumann machine address the issue of addressing code and data in memory?

By providing a common format for addresses for both code and data Signup and view all the answers

Why does it usually take multiple RISC instructions to do what a single CISC instruction does?

CISC instructions are more complex and specialized, allowing them to perform multiple tasks in a single instruction Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of RISC over CISC architecture?

Higher execution speed for individual instructions Signup and view all the answers

Why are most smartphones, tablets, and computers embedded in non-computer devices RISC machines?

RISC machines require less power, making them suitable for mobile and embedded devices Signup and view all the answers

What sets the RISC-V ISA apart from other RISC architectures?

It allows anyone to build their own RISC-V processor without paying any licensing fees Signup and view all the answers

Why is the RISC architecture chosen as the model for the text's discussion?

RISC architecture represents the largest market share in terms of number of sold CPUs Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a 64-bit machine word from a word in the context of RISC-V architecture?

A 64-bit machine word is actually a double word, while a word is usually only 32 bits. Signup and view all the answers

How does the number of instructions in RISC architecture compare to CISC architecture?

RISC machines typically feature a few dozen instructions, whereas CISC machines may implement hundreds and even thousands of instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What does an instruction set architecture (ISA) provide in relation to programming a machine?

An ISA provides just the right information needed to program a machine at the level of machine code, but not how to build one. Signup and view all the answers

Why are RISC instructions considered different from CISC instructions?

RISC instructions are usually simpler and more general compared to CISC instructions. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the von Neumann architecture differ from the Harvard architecture?

The von Neumann architecture uses a single shared bus for both instruction fetch and data access, while the Harvard architecture uses separate buses for instruction fetch and data access. Signup and view all the answers