Algorithm And Flow Chart II - SS2 ICT Past Questions and Answers - page 2
What programming languages are used to write algorithms?
Only Python
Any language except Python
Any programming language of your choice
Only machine code
In algorithm development, what is the main purpose of a flowchart?
To create art
To visualize the outcome
To provide a detailed representation of the algorithm's steps
To write code directly
What should you check before opening a file for reading or writing in file processing?
The file's name
The file's contents
Whether the file exists
The file's size
Why is closing a file after reading or writing important in file processing?
It helps you save memory.
It releases system resources and ensures changes are saved.
It speeds up the computer
It is not important
What is the purpose of writing pseudocode before translating an algorithm into code?
To create a visual representation of the algorithm
To confuse programmers
To provide a high-level description of the algorithm's logic
To replace actual code
Explain the concept of writing an algorithm in your own words. Why is it important in computer programming?
Writing an algorithm involves creating a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a specific problem. It's important in programming because it helps programmers plan and communicate how a task should be accomplished by breaking it down into manageable actions. Algorithms are the foundation of computer programs and ensure that tasks are performed correctly and efficiently.
Elaborate on the role of pseudocode in the algorithm development process. Why might one use pseudocode before writing actual code?
Pseudocode is a high-level, human-readable description of an algorithm's logic. It serves as an intermediate step between understanding a problem and writing actual code. Programmers use pseudocode to outline the algorithm's structure and logic, making it easier to plan and visualize the solution before getting into the specifics of a programming language.
Describe a real-world problem that could benefit from the application of algorithmic thinking. How would you approach solving this problem using an algorithm?
A real-world problem could involve optimizing delivery routes for a fleet of vehicles. To solve it with an algorithm, you would first define the problem's parameters (e.g., starting locations, destinations, time constraints). Then, you'd create a step-by-step algorithm to determine the most efficient routes, considering factors like distance, traffic, and delivery priorities.
Discuss the importance of error handling in both algorithm development and programming. How does proper error handling enhance the reliability of software applications?
Error handling is crucial in algorithm development and programming because it allows programs to gracefully handle unexpected situations. Proper error handling enhances reliability by preventing crashes or data corruption when errors occur. It provides feedback to users or logs errors for debugging, making software more robust and user-friendly.
In the context of file processing, explain why it's essential to check whether a file exists before attempting to open it for reading or writing. What can happen if this check is omitted?
Checking whether a file exists before opening it is vital to avoid errors and unexpected behavior. If this check is omitted, attempting to open a non-existent file can result in a "file not found" error, causing the program to terminate unexpectedly. Checking for file existence allows for graceful error handling and ensures that the program can proceed safely.