Comp Sci 2.5 Programming Languages and IDEs

What is the primary purpose of a high-level programming language (HLL)?

To allow humans to write code using English-like keywords that are easy to read and debug.

Name one example of a high-level programming language mentioned in the source material.

Python (or Java, C++, JavaScript).

How does the portability of high-level languages compare to low-level languages?

High-level languages are portable and can run on different CPU types, whereas low-level languages are CPU-specific.

In a high-level language, one line of code typically translates into _ lines of machine code.

Many

What is the only language that a CPU can understand directly?

Machine Code (Binary/1s and 0s).

Term: Assembly Language

Definition: A low-level language that uses mnemonics (like LDR or ADD) to represent machine code instructions.

In Assembly Language, one line of code typically translates into _ line(s) of machine code.

One

What is the main advantage of using a low-level language over a high-level language?

It provides the programmer with direct control over the CPU and memory.

Why must high-level code be translated before execution?

Computers can only execute machine code, so HLL must be converted for the CPU to process it.

What specific type of translator is used to convert Assembly Language into machine code?

Assembler

How does a compiler process source code during translation?

It translates the entire source code at once into a single executable file.

What is a significant advantage of using a compiler for a finished software product?

The program runs fast and the source code is kept secret from the user.

What happens if a compiler encounters a single error in the source code?

The entire compilation fails and no executable file is created.

How does an interpreter process source code during translation?

It translates and executes the source code line by line.

Why is an interpreter considered better than a compiler during the development/debugging phase?

It stops exactly where an error occurs, allowing for immediate testing and fixing.

What is a main disadvantage of running interpreted code for the end-user?

Programs run slower because they must be translated every time they are executed.

Term: Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Definition: A software package that provides all tools needed to write, test, and debug code in one place.

In an IDE editor, what is the purpose of 'syntax highlighting'?

To colour keywords (like if or print) to make the code easier for humans to read.

How does 'auto-completion' in an IDE assist a programmer?

It suggests commands as the user types, reducing syntax errors and increasing speed.

In the context of IDE error diagnostics, what is a 'breakpoint'?

A tool that stops the execution of code at a specific line to inspect its state.

What is the function of a 'variable watcher' in an IDE?

It allows the programmer to see how a value changes in real-time as the program runs.

What is the role of the 'run-time environment' within an IDE?

It allows the programmer to quickly execute and test their code without leaving the editor.

Under what condition would a programmer choose to use a compiler over an interpreter?

When the program is finished and ready to be distributed or sold to users.

The CPU is often referred to as the _ of the computer.

Brain

What are the three stages of the cycle the CPU follows to process instructions?

Fetch, Decode, and Execute.

During the 'Fetch' stage, from where is the next instruction retrieved?

Main memory (RAM).

Which CPU component performs mathematical calculations and logical comparisons?

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit).

What is the primary role of the Control Unit (CU)?

To manage hardware, control data flow, and manage the Fetch-Execute cycle.

Why is 'Cache' memory located inside the CPU?

To provide extremely fast access to frequently used instructions so the CPU doesn't wait for RAM.

Which specific register holds the memory address of the next instruction to be processed?

Program Counter (PC).

What information is stored in the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

The address of the location in memory where data is to be fetched or stored.

What is the function of the Accumulator (ACC)?

To store the immediate results of calculations performed by the ALU.

How is CPU clock speed measured?

In Hertz (Hz), typically Gigahertz (GHz), representing cycles per second.

What is the performance benefit of a multi-core processor?

It allows the computer to process multiple instructions simultaneously (parallel processing).

Term: Embedded System

Definition: A small computer system designed for a specific, dedicated task within a larger system.

Give one example of an embedded system found in a household appliance.

Washing machine (controlling cycles) or Microwave (timer settings).

Why is RAM considered 'volatile' memory?

Because data is lost when the power is turned off.

What is the primary function of ROM (Read Only Memory)?

To store the BIOS or Bootstrap loader (startup instructions).

What happens during 'swapping' in the context of Virtual Memory?

Unused data is moved from RAM to secondary storage to free up space, then moved back when needed.

Why does using Virtual Memory make a computer run slower?

Secondary storage is much slower at data transfer than RAM.

Which type of secondary storage uses a read/write head and has the lowest cost per gigabyte?

Magnetic storage (HDD).

Why is Solid State storage preferred for portable devices?

It is highly durable (no moving parts) and has very fast access speeds.

How many bits are in a single 'Byte'?

8

Why do humans use Hexadecimal instead of long strings of binary?

It is easier for humans to read and remember.

What does 'Color Depth' represent in an image file?

The number of bits used to represent each pixel.

What is the definition of 'Metadata' in a file?

Hidden data about a file, such as its format, GPS location, or creation date.

How does 'Lossy' compression reduce file size?

By permanently removing data that humans cannot easily perceive.

Which network topology connects all devices to a central switch?

Star Topology.

What is the main disadvantage of a Mesh Topology?

It is very expensive and difficult to install due to the high number of connections.

Which network device sends data packets between different networks (e.g., LAN to Internet)?

Router

What is the difference between a MAC address and an IP address?

A MAC address is permanent/physical; an IP address is logical/changeable and used for routing.

Term: Protocol

Definition: A set of rules for how data is transmitted across a network.

Which email protocol is used for sending emails?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

What is one advantage of using 'Layers' in network communication?

It breaks communication into manageable pieces so developers can focus on one area at a time.

Which layer of the TCP/IP model handles web browsers and applications like HTTP?

Application Layer

How does a Firewall protect a network?

By monitoring traffic and blocking unauthorised access based on specific rules.

What is the purpose of 'Penetration Testing'?

Hiring ethical hackers to find system weaknesses before criminals do.

Which function of an Operating System allocates RAM to prevent applications from overwriting each other?

Memory Management

How does an Operating System perform 'Multitasking'?

By switching between processes so quickly that they appear to run at the same time.

What is the purpose of a 'Device Driver'?

To act as a translator between the Operating System and external hardware.

Why would a Magnetic Hard Drive benefit from 'Defragmentation'?

It reorganises files into contiguous blocks so the read/write head moves less, speeding up access.

Why should you NOT defragment a Solid State Drive (SSD)?

It can shorten its lifespan and provides no speed benefit as there are no moving parts.

What is the main difference between Open Source and Proprietary software?

Open Source makes the source code available to everyone; Proprietary keeps it hidden and restricted.

Term: Abstraction

Definition: Removing unnecessary details from a problem to focus on the essential parts.

Term: Decomposition

Definition: Breaking a complex problem down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems.

In a flowchart, what does a Diamond shape represent?

A Decision (Selection).

What is the difference between a Syntax Error and a Logic Error?

Syntax errors stop the program from running; logic errors allow the program to run but produce wrong results.

Which programming construct repeats a block of code a set number of times?

Count-controlled iteration (FOR loop).

The operator used to find the remainder after division is _.

MOD (Modulo)

The operator used to find how many whole times one number goes into another is _.

DIV (Quotient)

What is the difference between a 'Global Variable' and a 'Local Variable'?

Global variables work anywhere in the program; local variables only exist inside a specific sub program.

Which input validation check ensures that data is between two specific values (e.g., age 11-18)?

Range Check

In Boolean logic, which gate only outputs 1 if BOTH inputs are 1?

AND gate

What is the result of applying a NOT gate to an input of 0?

1

In Boolean logic, which gate outputs 1 if at least one input is 1?

OR gate

Term: Casting

Definition: The process of converting one data type to another (e.g., string to integer).

Which SQL keyword is used to specify which fields (columns) to display?

SELECT

Which SQL keyword is used to filter results based on specific criteria?

WHERE

What is the purpose of 'Maintainability' in coding?

To ensure code is easy for others to understand, debug, and update later.