Section 2B - Programming Techniques

Question 1

What is a subroutine?

Answer 1

A subroutine is a named, self-contained section of code that performs a specific task.

Question 2

What are the 2 different types of subroutine?

Answer 2

Procedures and functions

Question 3

What is a parameter?

Answer 3

To make the subroutine more useful, you can pass it one or more times through parameters. The parameter is a variable named in the subroutine heading that will receive and use whatever value you pass it.

Question 4

What is a local variable?

Answer 4

Variables which functions and procedures may use their own variables, that do not get recognised in the main code.

Question 5

What is a global variable?

Answer 5

A global variable is one which is declared in the main program an is recognised in all the subroutines.

Question 6

What is a range check?

Answer 6

Whether a number or date os within a sensible/ allowed range

Question 7

What is a type check?

Answer 7

Data is the right type such as an integer, a letter or text

Question 8

What is length check?

Answer 8

Text entered is not too long or too short

Question 9

What is a presence check?

Answer 9

Checks that some data has been entered

Question 10

What is a format check?

Answer 10

Checks the format of, for example, a postcode or email address is appropriate.

Question 11

What is a trace table?

Answer 11

Thos shows how the value of a variable changes as each step pf the algorithm is executed.