Programming

• What are programming constructs?

  Common building blocks for programs
• What is the purpose of data types in programming?

  To organize data according to type
• What is a variable in programming?

  A memory location for storing values
• What does the data type determine for a variable?

  What type of value the variable will hold
• What does the string data type hold?

  Characters that can be letters and/or numbers
• What are the limitations of different data types?

  Integers and reals cannot be concatenated
• What is casting in programming?

  Changing the data type of a variable
• How would you convert an integer to a string in Python?

  Using str(68)
• How would you convert a string to an integer in Python?


  Using int("54")
• How do integers and real numbers differ in programming?

  Integers are whole numbers, reals are decimals
• What is the relationship between data types and variable values?

  Data types define the kind of values variables hold
• What are the three basic programming concepts?

  Sequence, selection, and iteration
• What is the definition of sequence in programming?

  • A set of instructions that follow one another
  • The order in which instructions are processed
• What is an instruction in computer programming?

  A single action performed by a processor
• What does selection determine in a computer program?

  • The path a program takes based on events
  • A decision point within the program
• What is iteration in programming?

  The repetition of a block of statements
• What is execution in the context of programming?

  • The process of a program being run
  • The actual operation of code on a computer
• What is definite iteration?

  A loop that repeats a set number of times
• How is definite iteration usually implemented?

  Using a FOR loop
• What is indefinite iteration?

  A loop that repeats until a condition is met
• How is indefinite iteration typically implemented?

  Using a WHILE or REPEAT UNTIL loop
• How do programming constructs relate to program complexity?

  • More constructs are used in complex programs
  • Constructs are the building blocks of all programs
• What are programming constructs?

  Common building blocks for programs
• What are the three basic programming concepts?

  Variables, constants, and iteration
• What is a variable in programming?

  A memory location that holds a value
• What is the purpose of an identifier?

  To name a variable in a program
• What are the rules for naming a variable?

  Must start with a letter and contain letters
• What is the difference between declaration and assignment?

  Declaration identifies a variable; assignment gives it a value
• How would you declare a variable in Visual Basic?

  Dim score as Integer
• What is a constant in programming?

  A named piece of memory with an unchangeable value
• Why are constants useful in programming?

  They can be referred to multiple times without change
• What is a global variable?

  A variable accessible throughout the whole program
• What is a local variable?

  A variable that exists only within a subroutine
• Why should global variables be avoided?

  They complicate debugging and memory management
• What are the advantages of using local variables?

  • Easier to debug
  • Memory efficiency
  • Limited scope of access
• What are the naming conventions for constants?

  • Written in uppercase
  • Follow similar rules as variables
  • Represent values unlikely to change
• What is the difference between variables and constants?

  • Variables can change values; constants cannot
  • Both are named memory locations
  • Constants are often used for fixed values
• What is the role of programming languages?

  • Used to write software
  • Provide syntax and structure for coding
  • Enable communication with computers
• What is the significance of data types in programming?

  • Define the kind of data a variable can hold
  • Include integers, characters, and Boolean
  • Affect how data is processed in programs
• What are programming constructs?

  Common building blocks for all programs