2.2.1 Programming Techniques

Question 1

What are the primary programming constructs?

Answer 1

Sequence

Iteration

Branching/Selection

Question 2

What are examples of count-controlled and condition-controlled loops?

Answer 2

Count: For loop

Condition: While loop

Question 3

Define ‘recursion’

Answer 3

A function calling itself until a condition is met

Question 4

What are the benefits and drawbacks of recursion?

Answer 4

Benefits:

Can be used to traverse trees

Drawbacks:

Requires more storage space than an iterative solution

A missing condition will lead to a stack overflow

Question 5

Define ‘global variable’

Answer 5

• A variable accessible anywhere within a program
• Allocated a distinct memory location during execution

Question 6

Define ‘local variable’

Answer 6

• A variable only accessible within a specific part of a program
• Usually defined within a function or passed by value

Question 7

Define ‘scope’

Answer 7

Refers to where a variable/constant can be accessed.

The scope is either local to a subroutine or global to a program

Question 8

Explain ‘passing by value’

Answer 8

A copy of the variable is created within the subroutine, therefore the original variable is unchanged without returning the value

Question 9

Explain ‘passing by reference’

Answer 9

A pointer to the variable is created when passed.

When changed within the subroutine, it is updated to the original as well

Question 10

Define ‘IDE’

Answer 10

Integrated Development Environment:

Provides tools and an area to create code

Question 11

What are some common features of an IDE?

Answer 11

• Warning alerts
• Colour coding
• Commenting
• Auto-complete and hints
• Translating and running code