General Revision

• What is the purpose of decomposition in programming?


  To break down large problems into smaller subproblems.
• How does abstraction benefit a programming team?


  It allows the team to focus on essential properties without wasting time on details.
• What are the advantages of using subprograms?


  • Saves programmers time by writing and debugging once
  • Separates logic into blocks for easier understanding
  • Facilitates teamwork by allocating tasks
• What are the two types of subprograms?


  • Functions: return a value
  • Procedures: do not return a value
• What is the purpose of flowcharts in programming?


  To visually represent the steps in a process or algorithm.
• What is iteration in programming?


  It is a loop that processes items in a data structure one after the other.
• What is the difference between variables and constants?


  Variables can change during execution, while constants cannot.
• What is the difference between one-dimensional and two-dimensional data structures?


  • One-dimensional: elements arranged in a single line (like a list)
  • Two-dimensional: array of arrays, forming a grid
• How do lists, arrays, and records differ?


  Lists are implemented in Python, arrays share a single identifier with the same data type, and records store related elements of different data types.
• What is the purpose of indexing in data structures?


  To access individual items using their index number.
• What does the lens() function do?


  It finds the length of a data structure.
• What is the difference between appending and inserting in a data structure?


  Appending adds to the end, while inserting adds at a specific index.
• What is the purpose of the FOR construct in data structures?


  To process every record in the data structure.
• What are the three types of errors in programming?

  Syntax errors, runtime errors, and logic errors.
• What is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?


  • An application with tools to help programmers develop code
  • Includes an editor, syntax checker, and debugger
• What is an algorithm?


  A precise method to solve a problem through a sequence of steps.
• What are the criteria for a successful algorithm?


  Accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
• What is the purpose of arithmetic operators?


  To perform mathematical operations on values.
• What are the main data types in programming?

  • Integer: whole numbers
  • Real: numbers with fractional parts
  • Boolean: true or false
  • Character: single symbols
  • String: sequences of characters
• What is type conversion?


  Temporarily changing the data type of a variable.
• What is string indexing?


  Each character in a string has an index number starting from 0.
• What is concatenation in strings?


  Joining two or more strings to produce a new string.
• What is the purpose of selection in programming?


  To execute instructions based on the outcome of a test condition.
• What are the types of selection constructs?


  • IF construct
  • IF...ELSE construct
  • IF...ELSEIF...ELSE construct
  • Nested selection
• What is the WHILE construct used for?


  To execute a loop as long as a test condition is true.
• What are logical operators used for?


  • AND: both conditions must be true
  • OR: either condition must be true
  • NOT: reverses the result of a condition
• What is the purpose of comments in code?


  To explain the program without cluttering the code.
• What is the execution process with subprograms?


  Execution jumps to the subprogram when called and returns after completion.
• What is the difference between local and global variables?


  Local variables are used within a subprogram, while global variables can be accessed anywhere.
• What is the purpose of parameters in subprograms?


  To pass values into a subprogram when it is called.
• What is a dry run in programming?


  Executing the algorithm outside of the machine to find logic errors.
• What is validation in programming?


  Ensuring that data allowed into a program is fit for processing.
• What are the types of validation techniques?


  • Range validation
  • Length validation
  • Presence validation
  • Look-up validation
  • Menu validation
• What is the purpose of exception handling in Python?


  To manage errors and ensure robust code.
• What is the purpose of test data in programming?


  To cover all conditions including normal, boundary, and erroneous data.
• What is the bubble sort algorithm?


  It compares adjacent items and swaps them if required.
• What is the binary search algorithm?


  It looks at the median item and discards the unneeded half of the list.
• What are the components of a computer system?

  • Hardware: physical components
  • Software: programs running on hardware
• What is the stored program concept in Von Neumann architecture?


  It allows both program instructions and data to be stored together in main memory.
• What does the CPU stand for?


  Central Processing Unit.