Programming Fundamentals
What is a variable in programming?
A variable is a named storage location in a program that holds a value which can change during execution.
What is binary and why is it used in computers?
Binary is a base-2 number system using 0s and 1s. It’s used because digital devices use two states: on and off.
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of computers that communicate using standard protocols to share information.
What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions used to solve a problem or complete a task.
Name one way computers have improved communication.
Computers allow instant messaging, video calls, and social media platforms that connect people globally.
What is the difference between a string and a boolean?
A string is a sequence of characters (e.g., "hello"), while a boolean holds a true or false value.
What is the difference between data and information?
Data refers to raw facts (e.g., numbers or text), while information is processed or organized data that has meaning.
What is an IP address used for?
An IP address uniquely identifies a device on the Internet, allowing data to be routed to the correct destination.
What does it mean for an algorithm to be "efficient"?
An efficient algorithm uses fewer resources (like time or memory) to solve a problem compared to other approaches.
What is digital divide?
The digital divide is the gap between individuals or communities with and without access to modern technology.
Explain how a loop works and give an example.
A loop repeatedly runs a block of code while a condition is true. Example: A for loop that prints numbers 1–5.
Give an example of how data can be cleaned or filtered before use.
Data can be cleaned by removing duplicates, filtering out irrelevant entries, or correcting errors to ensure accuracy.
How does the Domain Name System (DNS) work?
The DNS translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses so browsers can load the correct website.
Describe a linear vs. binary search algorithm.
A linear search checks each element one by one; a binary search splits a sorted list in half repeatedly to find the target faster.
How can computing innovations raise legal or ethical concerns?
Examples include copyright violations, AI facial recognition used without consent, or biased hiring algorithms.
What is a function and how is it useful in programming?
A function is a named block of reusable code that performs a specific task. It helps reduce repetition and improve code clarity.
Explain how data compression helps with storage and transmission.
Data compression reduces the size of data files to save storage space or speed up transmission (e.g., JPEG for images).
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP is the basic protocol for web communication, while HTTPS is the secure version that encrypts data for safety.
What is a heuristic and when is it used?
A heuristic is an approach that finds a good-enough solution quickly when a perfect solution is too complex or time-consuming.
Give an example of bias in a computing innovation and how it can be harmful.
If a facial recognition system is trained mostly on lighter-skinned faces, it may misidentify people with darker skin, leading to discrimination.
Describe how parameters and return functions improve code reusability.
Parameters allow functions to accept input values, and return values allow functions to send back results, making functions more flexible and reusable.
What are some ethical concerns around large-scale data collection?
Ethical concerns include privacy violations, surveillance, unauthorized data sharing, and algorithmic bias from collected data.
Explain how packets and routers enable communication on the Internet.
Data sent over the Internet is broken into packets, which travel through routers and are reassembled at the destination.
How can different algorithms solve the same problem in different ways?
Different algorithms may vary in speed, memory use, or complexity; for example, sorting algorithms like bubble sort vs. quicksort.
Describe how open-source software contributes to global collaboration.
Open-source software like Linux or Python allows developers around the world to contribute, innovate, and collaborate freely.