Techniques for manipulating data and information

Question 1

Arrays

Answer 1

An array is a storage structure with multiple, numbered storage slots

Question 2

Stacks

Answer 2

A stack is a simple, basic method of temporarily storing data, with the push command, and releasing it as needed, with the POP command. Stacks can be referred to as FILO (First In Last Out) or LIFO (Last In First Out)

Question 3

Queues

Answer 3

Queues are often used when code or a device such as a printer cannot keep up with incoming data or commands

Question 4

Sequential files

Answer 4

Sequential files are plain text documents that contain human-readable text data. An example of a sequential file is called CSV (Comma Separated Values). In a CSV file each line is a record, composed of fields separated by comma’s.

Question 5

Random files

Answer 5

Random files are made up of records of identical length, with fields which must be rigidly defined in advance

Question 6

GUI controls and structures

Answer 6

Most high-level languages have GUI’s to make programs more intuitive for users. With the GUI responsible for managing pre-packaged classes of objects, the programmers work is made much quicker and easier. GUI structures are designed for ease of use, not raw power or optimal speed and they consume far more memory and processor time than arrays, stacks and variables

Question 7

Searching

Answer 7

Linear searching- Checks every individual item in turn to see if it matches the item for which you are searching
Binary searching- A fast and clever search which is useful when searching large data sets, especially when speed is important