MODULE 1: Introduction to Computing Science

Question 1

Computing science

Answer 1

study of computation and its application in problem-solving.

Question 2

three fundamental concepts in computing science

Answer 2

data, algorithms, and programs.

Question 3

data

Answer 3

raw info that the algorithm manipulates and processes to achieve a desired outcome

Question 4

algorithm

Answer 4

set of instructions designed to solve a specific problem

Question 5

program

Answer 5

set of instructions to the computer, to use the algorithm on the data

Question 6

steps of Computational problem-solving refers

Answer 6

1. Understanding the Problem
2. Decomposition
3. Algorithm Design
4. Test and Refine

Question 7

decomposition

Answer 7

break down program into smaller chunks

Question 8

Algorithm Design

Answer 8

make an algorithm, or plan of action to solve each subproblem

Question 9

Test and Refine

Answer 9

use sample data to test your algorithm, refine as needed

Question 10

low-level view of memory

Answer 10

physical organization and structure of memory at the hardware level. involves understanding how memory cells are laid out, how they are addressed, and how data is stored in and retrieved from the memory

Question 11

each memory cell represents:

Answer 11

a single byte of data,

Question 12

how can a computer read/write the data contained within a memory cell?

Answer 12

each cell has a unique identifier, we can specify this address to direct the computer to the correct cell.

Bytes are exchanged between the CPU and main memory, allowing the CPU to read instructions and data from the main memory and write back into the main memory

Question 13

main memory

Answer 13

where data is stored while in use. does not persist when computer turned off. Typicall, RAM

Question 14

CPU

Answer 14

determines how instructions are interpreted and executed

Question 15

bytes

Answer 15

a unit of data. Usually, eight binary digits

Question 16

cpu consists of

Answer 16

control unit
program counter
arithmetic logic unit

Question 17

control unit

Answer 17

decodes instructions, controls parts of cpu

Question 18

program counter

Answer 18

acts liek bookmark, keeps track of what line of instructions needs to be executed next

Question 19

arithmetic logic unit

Answer 19

perforths arithmetic and logical operations on binary data

Question 20

How Do Computers “Run” Our Programs?

Answer 20

follow an instruction cycle, also known as the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Question 21

fetch-decode-execute cycle

Answer 21

program counter (PC) points at the next instruction in main memory that needs to be fetched. The line of instruction is fetched and brought into the CPU.

after fetching, The PC moves onto the next set of instructions, on standby

the fetched instruction is decoded and executed within the CPU, and the cycle continues.

Question 22

high level vs low level programming language

Answer 22

high level = more basic, human friendly
low level = more complex, it’s the computer’s language, not human language

Question 23

examples: high level, mid level, low level programming language

Answer 23

high = java, python
mid: C
low: Assembly Language

Question 24

benefit of low level

Answer 24

Offers precise control over the hardware, allowing for direct manipulation of system resources

Question 25

con of high level

Answer 25

Restricts direct hardware control in favor of simplicity, maintainability, and portability

Question 26

python - Objects

Answer 26

specific entities in our program that have characteristics and behaviour

Question 27

python - statement

Answer 27

instruction that a Python program understands and can execute

Question 28

Python interpreter

Answer 28

program that reads, interprets and executes Python statements line by line.

Question 29

hoe does Python interpreter work

Answer 29

parses
converts the statement to bytecode
translates bytecode instructions into machine code line by line.
machine code is then executed by the processor.

Question 30

parsing

Answer 30

Python interpreter reads the code and analyzes its structure and syntax to understand its meaning.

Question 31

bytecode

Answer 31

lower-level representation. middle-ground between our code and the machine code that the computer’s hardware understands.