Lecture Notes: Computers, Languages, and Program Development

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering definitions and concepts from Pages 1–7, including computer basics, hardware/software distinctions, computing environments, programming languages, programming paradigms, and the program development lifecycle.

A computer is a __ electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, presents the results, and stores the data or results as needed.

programmable

The fact that a computer is __ means it will do whatever the instructions—called the program—tells it to do.

programmable

Data is a collection of __ items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

unprocessed

Computers process data into __.

information

The Information Processing Cycle is the series of input, __, output, and storage activities.

process

A collection of related instructions organized for a common purpose is referred to as __.

software

System Software has two types: __ and Utility Programs.

Operating System

A(n) __ program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer.

Utility

Application Software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks.

Application Software

Firmware is the computer programs permanently stored in __ or PROM.

ROM

ROM stands for Read Only Memory and provides __ (non-volatile) storage that does not require power to remember data.

non-volatile

RAM is __ (volatile) storage; a loss of power means data stored will be lost.

temporary

Mass storage devices, like hard disks, are __ storage; they retain data without power.

non-volatile

Personal Computing Environment is a __ machine; the complete program resides on the stand-alone machine.

stand-alone

The time-sharing computing environment allows a single user to perform multiple requests or operations at a time through a(n) __ operating system.

multitasking

The client-server computing environment has two machines: the Client and the __.

Server

Distributed Computing Environment distributes software functionality across multiple __.

computers

A __ computing environment is a collection of computers from different locations working for a common problem.

grid

A __ computing environment is a collection of interconnected computers that work together as a single system.

cluster

The way humans talk to computers is through a __.

computer language

The only language which can be understood by the computer is the __ language.

Machine Language

Binary language is an example of a __-level language.

low

Machine language is also known as the __.

Machine Code

One advantage of low-level language is that it can be executed __ without translation.

directly

Disadvantages of low-level language include being machine-dependent and difficult to __.

debug

Middle-level language is Assembly Language; it uses predefined words called __.

mnemonics

An __ translates mnemonics into machine code.

Assembler

Assembly language is more readable than low-level language but is machine-.

dependent

A high-level language has predefined words known as and a set of rules known as .

keywords

A high-level language must be translated to low-level language by a or a .

compiler

Examples of high-level languages include COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, C, C++, and __.

Java

C++ was invented in 1982 by __ Stroustrup.

Bjarne

C++ is the successor of the language __.

C

C++ is a statically typed, compiled, general-purpose, case-sensitive, free-form language that supports procedural, object-oriented, and __ programming.

generic

Static typing means type checking is performed during __.

compile-time

Pros of C++ include that it is a fast __ language.

compiled

C++ is widely used for teaching and research because it is clean enough for successful teaching of basic concepts; it is a __ language.

statically-typed

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for C++ include Dev C++, __ Code, Code::Blocks, Eclipse, and Netbeans.

Visual Studio Code

Program development life cycle (PDLC) phases include Planning, __, Design, Development, Testing and Integration, and Maintenance.

Analysis

Program Analysis involves developing program __ and related specifications.

specifications

Program Design uses algorithms; the set of steps needed is called the __.

algorithm

Program Design Tools include Structure Charts (hierarchy charts), Flowcharts, Wireframes, Pseudocode, and __ (UML).

Unified Modeling Language

When choosing a programming language, factors include __, Integration, Standards, Programmer availability, Portability, and Development speed.

Suitability

Debugging may account for more than __% of a program’s development time.

50

Common types of programming errors include __ errors and logic errors.

Syntax

Program Implementation and maintenance involve implementing the program and then maintaining it; maintenance is often __ for organizations.

costly

What is a computer?

A programmable electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, presents the results, and stores the data or results as needed.

Why is a computer considered programmable?

Because it will do whatever the instructions—called the program—tell it to do.

Data vs Information

Data are unprocessed items (text, numbers, images, audio, video); information conveys meaning and is useful to people.

What do computers do with data?

They process data into information.

Information Processing Cycle

Input (data) → Process → Output (information); software provides the instructions telling the computer how to perform tasks.

What is software?

Sets of instructions that control the sequence of operations; two types: system software and application software.

Two main types of system software

Operating System and Utility Programs.

What is computer hardware?

The physical components of a computer; includes input, output, and storage; connected to the CPU via a bus.

What does the CPU do?

Central Processing Unit; provides the computational ability and control of the computer.

What is firmware?

Computer programs permanently stored in ROM or PROM.

ROM vs RAM

ROM is permanent, non-volatile storage; RAM is temporary, volatile storage that loses data when power is off.

What is a Computing Environment?

The arrangement of computer devices and services provided by the OS to users and their programs to solve problems.

Six computing environments

Personal, Time-Sharing, Client-Server, Distributed, Grid, Cluster.

Personal Computing Environment

A stand-alone machine where the complete program resides and is executed on the same machine.

Time-Sharing Computing Environment

A single user can perform multiple tasks via multitasking OS; processor time is divided among tasks.

Client-Server Computing Environment

Two machines (client and server) exchange data; client requests data, server provides data and often stores large data.

Distributed Computing Environment

Software functionality is distributed across multiple computers; tasks run simultaneously on two or more machines.

Grid Computing Environment

Collection of computers from different locations working on a common application; a distributed collection of many computers.

Cluster Computing Environment

Interconnected computers that work together as a single system.

What is a computer language?

A set of rules used to write computer programs; languages like C, C++, Java, etc., are used to instruct computers.

Low-level language (machine language)

Binary language understood directly by the CPU (0s and 1s); also called machine code; fast but difficult and machine-dependent.

Binary language

A language consisting of 0s and 1s used in machine language.

Machine language advantages

Executed directly by the CPU without translation; very fast.

Machine language disadvantages

Difficult to use, machine-dependent, hard to debug and modify.

Middle-level language (assembly language)

Uses mnemonics; translated to machine code by an assembler; easier than binary but still low-level.

Assembly language advantages

Easier to write and read than binary; easier to find errors; more readable.

Assembly language disadvantages

Machine-dependent; requires translation to low-level; slower than pure low-level.

High-level language

Languages understandable by humans; use keywords and syntax; require compiler or interpreter to translate to low-level.

Examples of high-level languages

COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, C, C++, JAVA.

High-level language advantages

Easier to read/write; portable across machines with little or no change; easier to develop and debug.

High-level language disadvantages

Requires translation to machine code; generally slower than lower-level languages.

What is C++?

Invented in 1982 by Bjarne Stroustrup; successor of C; statically typed, compiled, general-purpose, supports procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming.

Static typing in C++

Type checking is performed at compile-time, not run-time.

C++ advantages

Fast compiled language; portable; supports OOP and generic programming; widely used.

C++ disadvantages

Often considered difficult to learn.

Integrated Development Environments for C++

Examples include Dev C++, Visual Studio Code, Code::Blocks, Eclipse, NetBeans.

What is Programming?

The art of developing computer programs using a selected programming language; quality is reflected in the resulting program; follows the program development life cycle.

Programming Language?

A set of rules, words, symbols, and codes used to write computer programs; artificial notational language.

Categories of programming language

Procedural programming and Object-oriented programming.

Procedural Programming

Program divided into modules/functions; top-down approach; no access specifiers; data not hidden; focuses on procedures.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Program consists of objects with data (attributes) and processes (methods); uses classes and objects; objects communicate via messages.

Object

An element of OOP with identity, state, and behavior.

Class

A collection of objects with similar properties and behaviors; defines attributes and methods.

Attribute

A named property of a class; defines possible values.

Method

A behavior (service) that can be invoked on an object.

Procedural vs Object-Oriented focus

Procedural emphasizes functions; Object-Oriented emphasizes data and objects with data hiding.

Compiled vs Scripting languages

Compiled languages are turned into binaries before run; scripting languages are interpreted at runtime and typically do not require separate binary files or explicit memory allocation.

Examples of compiled languages

Java, C#, C, C++, Kotlin, Swift, Go.

Examples of scripting languages

Python, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby.

What is PDLC?

Program Development Life Cycle; phases: Planning, Analysis, Design, Development, Testing and Integration, Maintenance.

Program Analysis

Phase where the problem is studied and program specifications are developed; uses diagrams and designs (data flow, class diagrams, input/output designs); system analysts develop specifications.

Program Design

Phase where specifications are expanded into a complete design and algorithm; uses tools like structure charts, flowcharts, wireframes, pseudocode, UML.

Program Design Tools

Structure charts, Flowcharts, Wireframes, Pseudocode, Unified Modeling Language (UML) models.

Program Coding

Phase where code is written; language choice based on suitability, integration, standards, availability, portability, development speed.