What is an algorithm?

A precise, step-by-step set of instructions that solves a problem or accomplishes a task A mathematical formula used only in scientific software The programming language used to write a specific program A tool that automatically generates code from a problem description

In programming, what is a 'variable'?

A named container in the program's memory that holds a value which can change as the program runs A setting in the program that the user can change through the interface A calculation that gives different results depending on the input A part of the code that the programmer hasn't decided on yet

What does an 'if-else' statement do in a program?

It makes the program follow different paths of execution depending on whether a condition is true or false It checks if the computer has enough memory to run the next instruction It pauses the program and asks the user to choose between two options It compares two variables and sets them equal to each other

What is a programming 'loop' and why is it useful?

A loop repeats a block of code multiple times — either a fixed number of times or until a condition changes A loop connects two functions so they call each other A loop stores data in a circular structure for faster access A loop is a type of error that makes programs run forever and must be avoided

A program has an 'infinite loop' — what happens and why is it a problem?

The loop never stops running, consuming CPU resources and preventing other code from executing — the program freezes or slows the system The program finishes instantly because infinite loops skip all their steps The loop automatically stops after 1 million iterations as a safety feature The program crashes immediately with an error message

What is a 'function' (or 'method') in programming?

A named, reusable block of code that performs a specific task and can be called multiple times from different parts of a program A special feature built into the programming language by its designers A mathematical equation embedded in a program to perform calculations A button in the user interface that triggers an action

What does it mean for a program to have a 'bug' that causes it to work correctly 99% of the time but fail in rare cases?

The code has an edge case — a specific input or condition the programmer didn't anticipate and handle The computer's RAM randomly corrupts data 1% of the time The program was built for 99% of users and the remaining 1% have incompatible computers The programmer intentionally left 1% of features unfinished as placeholders

What is 'pseudocode' and when do programmers use it?

A plain-language description of an algorithm's logic used for planning before writing actual code Fake code written by programmers to deceive others about how software works A simplified programming language designed for beginners Code comments that explain what the code does but aren't executed

What is 'computational thinking'?

A problem-solving approach that involves breaking problems into steps, finding patterns, and designing algorithms — applicable beyond just programming The ability to perform mental math as fast as a computer Thinking exclusively in binary — reducing all decisions to yes/no A method of memorizing code so you can program without looking things up

Why do programmers write 'comments' in their code?

To explain why the code does something — making it easier for others (or their future self) to understand and maintain To disable parts of the code during testing without deleting them To communicate with the computer about what the programmer intended To satisfy legal requirements that programs must be documented