Question 1

The technique used by professional software developers for understanding the problem that is being solved and for creating an effective and appropriate software solution is called the software systems approach.

Accepted Answer

The technique is generally referred to as "software engineering," which encompasses various methodologies and practices for understanding problems and creating software solutions.

Question 2

A statement of a problem or a specific request for a program, is referred to as a program requirement.

Accepted Answer

A program requirement outlines what a program should do or what problem it needs to solve, serving as a guideline for its development.

Question 3

A first-level structure diagram for an algorithm represents the first attempt at an initial, but not yet sufficiently detailed, structure for a solution algorithm.

Accepted Answer

A first-level structure diagram represents an initial attempt to outline the structure of a solution algorithm, focusing on major components without delving into detailed specifics.

Question 4

A top-down algorithm development starts at the topmost level and proceeds to develop more and more detailed algorithms as it proceeds to the final set of algorithms.

Accepted Answer

Top-down algorithm development begins with the highest-level operations and progressively refines them into more detailed steps, working towards the most detailed level of the algorithm.

Question 5

Collectively, the components used to make a computer are referred to as ____.

Accepted Answer

The components used to make a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc., are collectively referred to as hardware.

Question 6

The grouping of 8 bits to form a larger unit is an almost universal computer standard and is referred to as a ____.

Accepted Answer

A byte is the term used to describe a group of 8 bits in computing, which is a standard size for representing a single character of data in most computer systems.

Question 7

The collections of patterns consisting of 0s and 1s used to represent letters, single digits, and other single characters are called ____.

Accepted Answer

Character codes are used to represent letters, digits, and other characters in a form that computers can understand, typically using patterns of 0s and 1s.

Question 8

Main memories combine 1 or more bytes into a single unit, referred to as a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

Main memories combine 1 or more bytes into a single unit referred to as a "word." A word can be composed of multiple bytes and is a fundamental data size that a processor is designed to handle efficiently.

Question 9

The ____ of a computer performs all of the computations, such as addition, subtraction, comparisons, and so on, that a computer provides.

Accepted Answer

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) of a computer is responsible for performing all the computations, such as addition, subtraction, comparisons, and other arithmetic and logical operations.

Question 10

A(n) ____ is a structured combination of data and instructions that is used to operate a computer and produce a specific result.

Accepted Answer

A computer program is a structured combination of data and instructions designed to operate a computer and produce a specific result. It consists of code written in a programming language that the computer can execute.

Question 11

Programming languages that use the substitution of word-like symbols, such as ADD, SUB, MUL, for the binary opcodes, and both decimal numbers and labels for memory addresses are referred to as ____.

Accepted Answer

Assembly languages use mnemonic codes or symbols (like ADD, SUB, MUL) instead of binary opcodes, making it easier for humans to read and write programs. They also allow the use of labels for memory addresses, which are resolved by the assembler.

Question 12

The program that translates each statement in a high-level source program and executes it immediately upon translation is called a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

An interpreter translates high-level source code into machine code line by line and executes it immediately, unlike a compiler which translates the entire program before execution.

Question 13

A(n) ____ combines additional machine language code with the object program to create a final executable program.

Accepted Answer

A linker combines additional machine language code with the object program to create a final executable program, by linking various program modules and libraries.

Question 14

The purpose of a(n) ____ is to accept data as input and transform the data in some manner to produce a specific result as an output.

Accepted Answer

A procedure is a set of instructions that takes input data, processes it, and produces output data.

Question 15

C is a(n) ____ language.

Accepted Answer

C is a structured programming language, which means it emphasizes the use of blocks, functions, and control structures to improve clarity and development efficiency.

Question 16

C++ is a(n) ____ language.

Accepted Answer

C++ is an object-oriented programming language.

Question 17

Collectively, the set of system programs used to operate and control a computer is called the ____.

Accepted Answer

The set of system programs used to operate and control a computer is collectively called the operating system. It manages hardware resources and provides services for computer programs.

Question 18

When mathematical equations are used to describe an algorithm, the description is called ____.

Accepted Answer

A formula is a mathematical expression that describes the relationship between different variables, often used to describe algorithms.

Question 19

A(n) ____ provides a pictorial representation of an algorithm using specifically defined shapes.

Accepted Answer

A flowchart provides a pictorial representation of an algorithm using specifically defined shapes, making it easier to understand the flow of the process or program.

Question 20

When writing a program, a(n) ____ structure provides the capability to make a choice between different instructions, depending on the result of some condition.

Accepted Answer

A selection structure, also known as a decision structure, allows a program to choose different paths of execution based on the evaluation of a condition. This is typically implemented using if-else statements or switch-case constructs.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Computer Programming