C++ Fundamentals and Computer Science Basics

Practice flashcards covering C++ basics, syntax, compiler concepts, hardware terminology, history, and roles in computing.

What is the general definition of a computer program?

A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do, executing one instruction at a time.

What is the starting point of a C++ program where execution begins?

The main() function, where the computer runs the statements inside its braces { }.

What punctuation character marks the end of most C++ statements?

A semicolon (;)

What data type is used in C++ to store whole numbers such as 5, 20, or -10?

int

What is the purpose of cout << in C++?

It stands for Characters Out and displays information or values on the screen.

What is the purpose of cin >> in C++?

It stands for Characters In and gets an input value from the user to put into a variable.

What is the purpose of the return 0; statement at the end of main()?

It ends the program and tells the computer that the program finished successfully.

How do you write single-line and multi-line comments in C++?

Single-line comments start with // and multi-line comments are enclosed within /* and */.

What is a compile-time error?

An error in code that the compiler finds before the program can run.

What is a syntax error?

An error that violates a programming language's rules, such as forgetting a semicolon.

What is the role of the CPU (Central Processing Unit)?

It acts as the "brain" of the computer that processes instructions.

What is volatile memory?

Memory that loses its contents when the computer is turned off, such as RAM.

What standard file extension is used for C++ source files?

.cpp

What is machine language?

The lowest-level computer language, composed of binary 0s and 1s.

What does a compiler do?

It translates high-level language programs into low-level machine instructions.

What is Moore's Law?

The doubling of IC (integrated circuit) capacity roughly every 18 months.

Brian Jernigan and Dennis Ritchie in a book.

According to the lecture notes, who created the C language in 1978?

Who introduced C++ in 1985 based on C?

Bjarne Striustruo.

What does the C++ escape sequence \n represent?

New line.

What does the C++ escape sequence \t represent?

Tab.

What hardware component is located on the processor chip and provides the fastest access small volatile storage?

Cache

What is the role of Information Security Analysts as defined in section 1.11?

They focus on protecting an organization's computers and data from hackers.

Computer Support Specialists

Requires high knowledge of computer technology and willingness to help nontechnical users.

Computer Programs

Write programs created by software developers.

Computer Systems Analysis

Help organizations use computing technology. They need strong business and computing technology knowledge.

Software Developers

Create, design, and program software.

Information Security Analysts

Focus on protecting an organizations computers and data from hackers.

Web Developers

Build websites and prioritize in content and performance.

Clock

Rate at which a processor executes instructions. If it’s fast, programs run faster but costs more electricity, heat, and take up battery life.

SSD

Non volatile storage with slower access. Much slower than RAM, but provide data.

Assembly Language

A low-level programming language that is easier for humans to understand than machine language but is still closely connected to hardware.

High-Level Programming Language

A programming language designed to be easier for humans to read and write, such as C++, Java, or Python.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

A way of organizing programs using objects to make code easier to manage and reuse.