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Programming Fundamentals Flashcards
Free GCSE Computer Science Revision Cards
From variables, data types, and selection through to loops, functions, arrays, and debugging, these free Computer Science flashcards cover all the core programming concepts for GCSE revision.
Question
What is a variable?
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Answer
A named storage location in memory that holds a value which can change during program execution. E.g. score = 0.
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Question
What is a constant?
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Answer
A named value that does not change during program execution. E.g. PI = 3.14159. Makes code more readable and easier to maintain.
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Question
What are the main data types in programming?
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Answer
Integer (whole numbers), float/real (decimal numbers), string (text), Boolean (True/False), and character (single letter/symbol).
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Question
What is selection in programming?
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Answer
Using IF/ELIF/ELSE statements to execute different code depending on whether a condition is true or false. Allows programs to make decisions.
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Question
What is iteration (loops)?
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Answer
Repeating a block of code. FOR loops repeat a set number of times. WHILE loops repeat as long as a condition is true. DO-WHILE executes at least once before checking the condition.
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Question
What is the difference between a procedure and a function?
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Answer
A procedure is a named block of reusable code that performs a task. A function is similar but returns a value. Both improve code readability and reduce repetition.
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Question
What are parameters in programming?
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Answer
Values passed into a procedure or function when it is called. Allow the same code to work with different data. E.g. def greet(name): print("Hello " + name).
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Question
What is an array (list)?
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Answer
A data structure storing multiple values under one name, accessed by index (usually starting at 0). E.g. names[0] gives the first element.
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Question
What is the difference between local and global variables?
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Answer
Local: declared inside a function, only accessible within it. Global: declared outside functions, accessible throughout the program. Overuse of globals makes code harder to debug.
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Question
What is a trace table?
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Answer
A table used to manually track the values of variables as code executes step by step. Used for debugging and understanding algorithms.
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