What is the activity of programming?
The art and science of designing and writing computer programs
Programming involves creating sequences of instructions to achieve tasks or solve problems.
Define computer program.
A sequence of instructions written in a programming language to achieve a task/to solve a problem
Programs are essential for executing specific functions on a computer.
What are the two main components of a computer?
- Hardware
- Software
Hardware refers to the physical parts, while software consists of programs and data.
What does hardware refer to?
The physical, tangible parts of a computer, such as keyboard, monitor, disks, wires, chips, etc.
Hardware is essential for the functioning of software.
What is software?
Programs and data used to perform certain tasks
Software is an abstract, intangible entity that requires hardware to operate.
List the components of computer organization.
- CPU
- Main Memory (RAM)
- Secondary Storage
- I/O Device
These components work together to process and store information.
What is the role of the CPU?
The brain of the computer, responsible for processing instructions
The CPU is the most expensive and fastest component of a computer.
What is RAM?
Temporary memory, volatile, directly connected to the CPU
RAM is used for storing data that is actively being used or processed.
What is secondary storage?
Provides permanent storage for information
Examples include hard disks, floppy disks, Zip disks, CD-ROMs, and tapes.
Differentiate between RAM and secondary storage.
- RAM: Volatile, fast, expensive, low capacity
- Secondary Storage: Nonvolatile, slow, cheap, large capacity
RAM works directly with the processor, while secondary storage does not.
What is system software?
Programs that keep all hardware and software running smoothly
The most important system software is the operating system (OS).
What is the function of an operating system (OS)?
Controls all machine activities and provides the user interface
Examples include Windows XP, Unix, Linux, and Mac OS.
What is application software?
Generic term for any other kind of software, such as word processors and games
Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks.
What does it mean for information to be digitized?
Broken down into pieces and represented as numbers
This includes all types of data, such as text, graphics, and audio.
What is a bit?
A single binary digit (0 or 1)
Bits are the basic unit of information in computing.
What is a byte?
Consists of 8 bits
Bytes are used to represent a character or a small amount of data.
What are the levels of programming language?
- Machine language
- Assembly language
- High-level language
Each level serves to make programming easier for humans.
Define machine language.
Instruction in 0 and 1 bits
It is the lowest level of programming language, specific to each CPU.
What is assembly language?
Instruction in mnemonic code
Assembly language is a step above machine language, using symbols and letters.
What is a high-level language?
Similar to human language, examples include FORTRAN, COBOL, Pascal, C, C++, Java
High-level languages are designed to be easy for humans to read and write.
What are the three kinds of errors in programming?
- Syntax errors
- Runtime errors
- Logic errors
Each type of error affects the program’s execution differently.
What are syntax errors?
Grammatical mistakes in a program
The compiler catches these errors and prints an error message.
What are runtime errors?
Errors detected when the program is running, not during compilation
These errors cause the program to terminate unexpectedly.
What are logic errors?
Errors that produce incorrect results but are not detected during compilation or execution
An example is incorrect calculations in a program.
