paper 1 & 2

• What is abstraction in computer science?

  • A representation of reality
  • Recognizes important aspects of a problem
  • Codes and formulates it for algorithms
  • Used extensively with variables, objects, and data structures
• How does abstraction help in problem-solving?

  It allows us to separate component parts and focus on important issues
• What are subroutines and libraries examples of?

  Abstraction
• What does thinking ahead involve in programming?

  Planning inputs and outputs
• What is caching in programming?

  Storing data temporarily for future use
• Where can cached data be stored?

  In cache or in RAM
• What are reusable components in programming?

  Code that can be used in multiple places
• What is recursion in programming?

  • A procedure or function that calls itself
  • An alternative to iteration
  • Can cause stack overflow if no terminating condition is present
• What happens if a terminating condition is not built into a recursive function?

  It will cause a stack overflow error
• What are the differences between local and global variables?

  • Global variables: accessible throughout the program, declared outside functions
  • Local variables: accessible only within the function, declared inside it
  • Global variables can lead to errors if overlooked
• Why do programmers prefer local variables over global variables?

  Local variables reduce the risk of unintended changes
• What is modularity in programming?

  • Writing programs in separate subsections
  • Makes creation and testing easier
  • Sub-programs can be called functions, procedures, etc.
• What is the difference between functions and procedures?

  Functions return a value, while procedures perform operations without returning a value
• What are parameters in subprograms?

  Variables added in brackets after the subprogram name
• What is the default method of passing parameters in many programming languages?

  By value
• What happens when a parameter is passed by value?

  A copy is made for the subprogram, and changes do not affect the original
• What does passing a parameter by reference mean?

  The address of the variable is passed, allowing changes to affect the original
• What are common features of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

  • Code editor optimized for languages
  • Error diagnostics and debugging tools
  • Build feature for compiling and linking
  • Version control and runtime environment
  • Translator such as a compiler or interpreter
• What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

  • A programming paradigm based on objects
  • Involves classes and methods
  • Encourages code reuse and modularity
• How do you create a class in pseudo code?

  By using the keyword 'class' followed by the class name
• What is the purpose of a constructor in a class?

  To initialize attributes of the class
• How do you instantiate a new object from a class?

  By using the class name followed by 'new' and any parameters
• What is the difference between public and private methods in a class?

  Public methods can be called from outside the class, while private methods cannot
• How do you call a method from another class in pseudo code?

  By using the object name followed by the method name
• Why is a specific line of code important in exams?

  It can be worth four marks.
• What is necessary to instantiate a new object?

  Knowing how to write the correct line of code.
• What type of methods can be created for a class?

  Procedures or functions.
• When are methods typically public in a class?

  Unless specified otherwise.
• What happens if a method is private in a class?

  It can only be called from inside that class.
• What is the syntax to call a method from another class?

  Use the object name followed by the method name.
• How do you call the method 'set_name' for an object 'my_pet'?

  my_pet.set_name('spike').
• What does inheritance allow in object-oriented programming?

  It allows a class to inherit methods and attributes from a parent class.
• What keyword is used to indicate inheritance in a class?

  Inherits.
• What is the purpose of the 'super' keyword in a constructor?

  It calls the original constructor of the parent class.
• What is polymorphism in object-oriented programming?

  It allows the same code to process different objects according to their type.
• How can you utilize polymorphism with an array of pet objects?

  By calling the same method on different pet objects in the array.
• What is backtracking in problem-solving?

  It involves trying a sequence of actions until a solution is found or deemed impossible.
• What does data mining examine?

  Large sets of data looking for patterns and relationships.
• What is performance modeling used for?

  To predict how real-life objects and systems behave when in use.
• What notation is used to show how algorithms behave with increasing input size?

  Big O notation.