Program Development Lifecycle
What are the five stages of the program development lifecycle?
Analysis, Design, Coding, Testing, Maintenance
What is the first stage of the compilation process?
Lexical analysis
What is a syntax error?
An error in the grammar of a source program (e.g., missing semicolon).
What does LAN stand for?
Local Area Network
What is the purpose of an operating system?
It provides an environment for applications and manages hardware resources.
Which stage of the program development lifecycle involves writing the actual code?
Coding
What is the role of syntax analysis in compilation?
It checks the grammatical structure of the code to ensure it follows the language rules.
What is the difference between a logic error and a syntax error?
A syntax error prevents compilation, while a logic error allows the program to run but produces incorrect results.
What is the difference between WAN and MAN?
WAN covers a very large area (e.g., the internet), while MAN covers a city or campus.
What is the difference between GUI and CLI?
GUI (Graphical User Interface) uses visuals, while CLI (Command Line Interface) is text-based.
What is the difference between the Waterfall model and Iterative model in software development?
The Waterfall model is linear and sequential, while the Iterative model develops a simple version first and then expands on it.
How does a compiler differ from an interpreter?
A compiler translates the entire program into machine code before execution, while an interpreter translates and runs code line by line.
What debugging technique allows running a program one line at a time?
Single stepping
What is the purpose of a router in a network?
A router connects different networks and directs data between them.
How does virtual memory improve system performance?
It allows a computer to use disk space as extra RAM when memory is low.
How does Rapid Application Development (RAD) differ from traditional development models?
RAD develops different parts in parallel and involves user feedback through prototyping.
Explain the difference between code generation and optimization in the compilation process.
Code generation converts intermediate code into machine code, while optimization improves efficiency by reducing unnecessary operations.
What is a breakpoint, and why is it useful in debugging?
A breakpoint is a deliberate pause in execution that allows a programmer to inspect variables and program state.
How does a switch differ from a hub in network communication?
A switch sends data only to the intended recipient, while a hub broadcasts data to all devices.
What is the role of a disk defragmenter?
It reorganizes files on a hard drive to store them in contiguous blocks, improving speed.
Which program development model involves developing a simple subset of requirements first and then gradually expanding or enhancing it through repeated cycles until the full system is complete?
Iterative model
What is Backus-Naur Form (BNF), and how is it used in defining programming languages?
BNF is a formal notation used to define the grammar of programming languages.
What is the purpose of the report window in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?
It displays variable values and runtime messages to help with debugging.
What is spread spectrum frequency hopping, and how does it work?
A method of wireless communication where the signal rapidly switches frequencies to avoid interference.
Explain the concept of memory protection in an operating system
It ensures that programs do not interfere with each other's memory allocation.