Question 1

Typically programmers use assembly languages to write ____.

Accepted Answer

Assembly languages are lower-level programming languages that are closer to the machine code of a computer's processor. This makes them ideal for writing system software, such as drivers or operating systems, which need to interact directly with the computer's hardware. They are less commonly used for higher-level programming tasks such as creating interactive tutorials or event-driven programs.

Question 2

____ refers to entering the list of commands that become a computer program.

Accepted Answer

Coding refers to the process of writing the list of commands or instructions that make up a computer program. Specification refers to defining the requirements and functionality of a program, verification refers to testing and ensuring the program works correctly, and assessment refers to evaluating the effectiveness and success of the program.

Question 3

A(n) ____ language is a low-level language in which instructions are represented by 1s and 0s that the microprocessor can execute directly.

Accepted Answer

Machine language is the lowest-level programming language that directly executes on a microprocessor. It consists of binary code, which is made up of 1s and 0s. Assembly language is a slightly higher-level language that uses mnemonics to represent machine language instructions, but it still requires translation to machine code before execution. Syntactical and instruction-based are not recognized terms in computer programming.

Question 4

In the context of programming, a problem ____ defines certain elements that must be manipulated to achieve a result or goal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of programming, a problem...

Question 5

A(n) ____ language allows a programmer to use instructions that resemble human language.

Accepted Answer

High-level languages use instructions that are more similar to human language, making it easier for programmers to write and read code. Low-level languages such as assembly and machine language are closer to the computer's native language and are more difficult to program in.

Question 6

A syntax error can be caused by ____.

Accepted Answer

All of the above options can lead to a syntax error. Using incorrect punctuation or misspelling a command word can cause the code to be invalid or unrecognized by the computer. Omitting a command word can also lead to errors in execution.

Question 7

Programmers typically use a ____ to code computer programs.

Accepted Answer

Programmers can use a generic text editor, a program editor or a VDE (Visual Development Environment) to code computer programs. All of these options are suitable for writing code, with varying levels of features and complexity. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it includes all of the possible options.

Question 8

A good problem statement for a computer program has which of the following characteristics?

Accepted Answer

A good problem statement for a computer program should specify any assumptions that define the problem's scope, clearly specify the known information, and also specify when the problem has been solved. Therefore, all of the above characteristics should be present in a problem statement to make it a good one.

Question 9

____ English is a subset of the English language with a limited selection of sentence structures that reflect processing activities.

Accepted Answer

Structured English combines standard English with the programming logic that reflects processing activities, making it a subset of the English language designed for clear and straightforward communication of processes.

Question 10

A(n) ____ error shows up, for example, from instructions that the computer cannot execute.

Accepted Answer

Runtime errors occur when a program is running and encounters a problem that prevents it from continuing. These can include errors where the program tries to perform an impossible operation, such as dividing by zero or accessing invalid memory locations.

Question 11

Programming languages are categorized by ____.

Accepted Answer

Programming languages can be categorized by level (low-level, high-level), generation (first, second, third, fourth), and paradigm (imperative, declarative, object-oriented, functional, etc). Therefore, all of the options are correct.

Question 12

Software ____ refers to a program development process in which mathematical, engineering, and management techniques are applied to reduce the cost and complexity of a computer program while increasing its reliability and modifiability.

Accepted Answer

This question is referring to the software development practice known as software engineering, which involves the use of mathematical, engineering, and management techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of software development. Programming, coding, and analysis are all important components of software engineering, but they are not sufficient on their own to achieve the goals described in the question. Therefore, choice B is the most accurate answer.

Question 13

The ____ paradigm emphasizes linear, step-by-step algorithms that provide the computer with instructions on how to solve a problem or carry out a task.

Accepted Answer

The procedural paradigm is based on the concept of a series of ordered steps or procedures that the computer executes to solve a problem. It emphasizes the use of subroutines, functions, and sequences of actions that are executed in an ordered manner. In contrast, the object-oriented paradigm emphasizes the creation of objects that have properties and methods, and the functional paradigm emphasizes the use of functions that manipulate data without changing it. The declarative paradigm emphasizes the specification of what the solution should be, rather than how to obtain it.

Question 14

In a problem statement, a(n) ____ is something that you accept as true in order to proceed with program planning.

Accepted Answer

An assumption is a statement that is believed to be true without proof. In program planning, assumptions are often made in order to proceed with the planning process. They can help to simplify the problem, but they can also be risky as they may turn out to be false. The other options, cardinal rule, validation, and algorithm, do not accurately describe something that is accepted as true in program planning.

Question 15

In a flowchart, a calculation is indicated by a ____.

Accepted Answer

In a flowchart, a rectangle shape is used to indicate a calculation or operation to be performed. Diamond shape is used for decision-making, rhombus is not a standard symbol in flowcharting, and black dot is not used to indicate calculations.

Question 16

In a flowchart, a connector is indicated by a ____.

Accepted Answer

Connectors in flowcharts are indicated by black dots. They are used to connect different parts of a flowchart, especially when the flowchart spans more than one page or when a process needs to loop back to an earlier step.

Question 17

Research has shown that, on average, a programmer can write, test, and document only ____ lines of code per day.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that, on average, a programmer can write, test, and document about 20 lines of code per day, considering the complexity and the need for quality in software development.

Question 18

Fourth-generation languages, such as SQL, are typically used for ____.

Accepted Answer

Fourth-generation languages, such as SQL, are typically used for database applications, making option B the correct choice. They are designed to operate at a higher level of abstraction than machine languages, assembly languages, or third-generation languages, allowing developers to create complex database queries with ease.

Question 19

A(n) ____ error is an error in the design of the program.

Accepted Answer

A logic error occurs when the program runs without errors, but the output is not what was expected due to a flaw in the design or the algorithm. This error is not related to how the code is written or typed, but to the thought process behind it. Run-time errors occur during program execution, syntax errors are related to the language syntax rules, and analysis errors are related to requirements or specifications.

Question 20

____ is a notational system for algorithms that has been described as a mix of English and your favorite programming language.

Accepted Answer

Pseudocode is a notational system for algorithms that uses informal language similar to English, combined with the syntax of a programming language. It is not a formal programming language, but rather a tool used during the planning and design phase of software development to communicate and refine ideas. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Option A, Structured English, is a similar concept but not as widely used as pseudocode. Option B, Flowcharting, is a graphical representation of an algorithmic process, and option C, Codification, is not a commonly used term in the context of algorithm design.

Quiz 12: Computer Programming