Lesson 1: The term coding

Question 1

What are computers made using?

Answer 1

transistors

Computers function as machines that operate using transistors, which act like switches.

Question 2

In computing, what does binary consist of?

Answer 2

• long strings of ones and zeros
• 1 means ‘on’
• 0 means ‘off’

Binary is the mathematical language that computers use to process information.

Question 3

True or false: Binary is easy for humans to use and understand.

Answer 3

FALSE

Binary is complex and does not resemble human languages, making it difficult for people to use.

Question 4

What is the process of using languages to tell computers what to do called?

Answer 4

Coding

Coding is also referred to as programming, and the languages used are called programming languages.

Question 5

Name the two main levels of coding or programming languages.

Answer 5

• high-level languages
• low-level languages

These levels indicate the complexity and efficiency of the languages in relation to binary.

Question 6

What are high-level languages known for?

Answer 6

Being easier for people to use and understand

High-level languages include the most common coding languages used today.

Question 7

What are low-level languages closer to?

Answer 7

The binary language that computers use

Low-level languages are harder for humans to use but are more memory efficient and faster to execute.