2.1 Programming Fundamentals

Question 1

Programming Constructs

Answer 1

There are three constructs (ideas of programming) that are used to control the flow of a program:
. Sequence
. Selection
. Iteration

Question 2

Sequence

Answer 2

Structuring code into a logical, sequential order

Question 3

Selection

Answer 3

Decision making using if statements

Question 4

Iteration

Answer 4

Repeating code using for or while loops

Question 5

Variables

Answer 5

Variables are used to store data in programs. They can be changed as the program runs

Question 6

What are the two parts of a variable

Answer 6

The data value such as “Emily”
An identifier such as First_Name

Question 7

How will an efficient program use variables

Answer 7

An efficient program will use variables with sensible identifiers that immediately state their purpose in the program

Question 8

Variable names

Answer 8

Using variable names like ‘TotalNum’ and ‘Profit’ rather than ‘num1’ and ‘num2’ mean that other programmers will be able to work out the purpose of the code without the need for extensive comments

Question 9

Large programs

Answer 9

Large programs are often modular - split into subroutines with each subroutine having a dedicated purpose

Question 10

Local variables

Answer 10

Local variables are declared within a specific subroutine and can only be used within that subroutine

Question 11

Global variables

Answer 11

Global variables can be used at any point within the whole program

Question 12

What are the advantages of local variables

Answer 12

. Saves memory
. Easier to debug
. Can reuse subroutines with local variables

Question 13

What are the advantages of global variables

Answer 13

. Variables can be used anywhere in the whole program (and in multiple subroutines)
. Makes maintenance easier as they are only declared once
. Can be used for constants - values that remain the same

Question 14

What is a constant

Answer 14

As specified before, a variable is data that can change in value as a program is being run

A constant is data that does not change in value as the program is run - it is fixed and remains the same

Question 15

What is an example of a constant in math’s

Answer 15

An example of a constant in math’s programs is pi - it will constantly remain at 3.14159 and never change

Question 16

What are Comparison Operators

Answer 16

Comparison operators are used to compare two data values

Question 17

What are Arithmetic Operators

Answer 17

Arithmetic operators are used to mathematically manipulate values

Question 18

What are examples of Arithmetic Operators

Answer 18

add (+), subtract (-), multiply (*) and divide (/)

Question 19

Modulo divison

Answer 19

Modulo division (also known as modulus) reveals the remainder from the last whole number. For example:

​9 % 4 = 1 (4 goes into 9 twice (8) with a remainder of 1)

Question 20

Integer division

Answer 20

Integer division (also known as quotient) reveals the ‘whole number of times’ a number can be divided into another number:

9 // 4 = 2 (4 goes into 9 fully, twice)

Question 21

Exponentiation

Answer 21

The symbol ^ represents exponentiation.

For example ‘2^3 = 8’ as it means ‘2³ = 8’.

Question 22

Logical Oeprators

Answer 22

Logical operators typically use TRUE and FALSE values which is known as Boolean.