C++ Programming: Introduction to Program Development

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts of C++ program development, including software categories, programming languages, the compilation process, development tools, and error types.

Computer

A programmable machine designed to follow instructions.

Program

Instructions in computer memory which a computer follows to perform a task.

Programmer

A person who writes instructions (programs) to make a computer perform a task.

Software

A collection of programs and data that instruct the computer what to do.

System software

Operating Systems that manage the computer hardware and the programs that run on them, such as Windows, UNIX, and Linux.

Application software

Programs that provide services to the user, such as word processing, games, or programs to solve specific problems.

Syntax

The spelling and grammars of a programming language.

Algorithm

A sequence of instructions written for a computer to solve a problem.

Machine Language

Instructions consisting of binary numbers ($0s$ and $1s$) that is platform-dependent; it is the only language a computer can understand directly.

Symbolic/Assembly Language

A platform-dependent language that uses symbolic codes, mnemonics, and meaningful abbreviations.

Assembler

A tool used to translate a program written in assembly language into machine language for execution.

High-Level Language

A platform-independent language that uses English-like codes and mathematical operators, such as Python, C++, and Java.

Compiler

A tool used to translate a program written in a high-level language into machine language.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An application (such as Visual Studio) providing a text editor, build/run tools, and output windows for coding and debugging.

Linker

A component in the compilation process that links object code with libraries.

Loader

A component that puts a program into memory so it is ready to run.

Structure Chart

A hierarchy chart that shows the functional flow through a program and how it is broken into logical steps or modules.

Pseudocode

A tool that uses English words to convey program logic and algorithm steps to accomplish a task.

Flowchart

A tool using standard graphical symbols to represent the logical flow of data through a program.

Bugs

Errors, also known as exceptions, that occur during compilation or execution.

Syntax Errors

Code violations during compilation, such as a missing semicolon ($;$), an undefined variable, or unclosed comment markers.

Run-time Errors

Illegal operations that occur during execution, such as dividing a number by zero or attempting to open a non-existing file.

Logic Errors

Errors that occur when a program passes syntax and run-time checks but produces a false result, usually caused by an incorrect algorithm or formula.

Preprocessor Directive

A message to the C++ preprocessor, such as #include , to be processed before the code is compiled.

int main()

A command indicating the starting point where program execution begins.

cout

The standard output stream object in C++.

Stream Insertion Operator ($<<$)

An operator used with $cout$ to indicate that the value of the right operand is inserted into the output stream.

cin

The standard input stream object in C++.

Stream Extraction Operator ($>>$)

An operator used with $cin$ indicating that the value obtained from the user is assigned to a variable.

Escape Sequence (\n)

A character sequence used to insert a new line in the output.