Software Development VI

John is in charge of adding functionality to his employer's website, for this task, he will use JavaScript. Of the following options, which ones accurately describe which kind of language JavaScript is? (Select TWO).

• • Query Language

• • Markup Language

• • Scripted Language

• • Interpreted Language

Answer explanation

JavaScript can be considered a scripted language (or scripting language, since the terms are often used interchangeably) because it is primarily used for automating tasks and providing programming-based functionality within web browsers. JavaScript commands can manipulate elements on a web page, handle events, and interact with databases or services to create dynamic content and sophisticated interactive features. JavaScript is an interpreted language, meaning that its code is executed directly by an interpreter rather than being compiled into machine code. This allows JavaScript programs to run in web browsers without the need for a separate compilation step, making it suitable for adding dynamic functionality to web pages. A markup language, like HTML or XML, is designed to annotate or structure content in web documents. While JavaScript is used in conjunction with HTML to create dynamic web content, it is not a markup language itself. Instead, it is a programming language for adding functionality or interactivity to web pages, separated from the structure provided by markup languages. A query language like SQL is designed to manage data in databases by performing tasks like retrieving, inserting, deleting or updating data. JavaScript, on the other hand, is primarily used for building interactive elements on websites and isn't specialized for querying data.

For which of the following languages can you not use pseudocode?

• • JavaScript

• • Java

• • Every language can be pseudocoded to help a programmer plan out their next steps

• • Python

• C++

Answer explanation

Pseudocode isn't a programming language itself but a tool used by programmers to outline and plan any real programming language, including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and others. Pseudocode can be written to plan out JavaScript scripting tasks. Even for a language like Java, which is complex and robust, pseudocode can be used in the planning stage. Pseudocode can be used in the planning phase of writing Python applications. Pseudocode is used to conceptualize the flow and function of code in C++ before actual coding.

Why might a programmer choose a compiled language over an interpreted language?

• • Compiled languages execute line by line, allowing for easy debugging

• • Compiled languages are better suited to platform-independent programming

• • Compiled languages result in slower execution speed as they have to be translated to machine code first

• • Compiled languages often lead to faster-running programs

Answer explanation

Compiled languages are translated to machine code before execution, which often leads to faster-running programs. Compiled languages translate the entire program before execution, not line by line. Because they are translated to machine code before execution, compiled languages often result in faster-running programs. Platform-independent programming is typically an advantage of interpreted languages. Compiled languages need to be specifically compiled for the target platform.

Which of the following BEST describes the way a function should be used in a program?

• • Functions should never be used in a program

• • Functions should be used to repeat a block of code continuously until the program ends

• • Functions should be used to group related code into a single callable unit

• • Functions should be used to store different types of data values

Answer explanation

Functions bundle related code into one callable unit. This grouping of code improves both the readability (by lowering complexity and grouping related logic) and reusability (same function can be called wherever needed). While loops are more applicable for this purpose. Functions are designed to encapsulate related code which can be called (reused) as needed, not to continuously repeat code until the program ends. Functions are not used for storing data values. Variables are used for this purpose. Functions are integral parts of a program and are usually considered the backbone of most programs.

Which of the following BEST describes the difference between a programming language and a markup language?

• • Programming languages cannot be used for web development, while markup languages are specifically designed for that purpose

• • Programming languages are human-readable and markup languages are machine-readable

• • Programming languages are obsolete, while markup languages are current and widely used

• • Markup languages are used for presentation and data structure, while programming languages, such as Python and Java, are used for performing logical operations, control flow, and manipulating data

Answer explanation

While there may be some overlaps in their functionality, the primary use of markup languages lies in data presentation and structure (HTML, XML), whereas programming languages are utilized for computational and logical works (Python, Java). Programming languages are often used extensively in web development along with markup languages. Programming languages are not obsolete. They are absolutely essential and current, forming the backbone of all software and web applications we use today. Examples include Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, and many others. They allow us to create complex functionalities, algorithms, and logic. Both markup languages and programming languages are typically designed to be human-readable, though they need to be interpreted or compiled to machine code to be executed.

In the context of object-oriented programming, what is an attribute with respect to an object?

• • An attribute is a property or characteristic of an object which holds data

• • An attribute indicates the visibility (access level) of the object's properties and methods

• • An attribute is the relationship between two or more objects

• • An attribute is a specific action or function the object can perform

Answer explanation

An attribute, also known as a property, is associated with an object and holds specific data. The data could represent a characteristic or property of the object. The relationship between two or more objects involves concepts like association, aggregation, and inheritance, not attributes. Access levels (public, private, protected) determine the visibility of an object's attributes and methods, but are not attributes themselves. Actions or functions that an object can perform are called methods.

Marie is an experienced IT project manager tasked with an initiative to develop a mobile app. The app involves several complex features, so Marie must simplify the project structure before the development phase starts. Which of the following organizational techniques should Marie use to break down and simplify the project's complexity? (Select TWO).

• • Use of pseudocode to outline the main functions and interactions of the app

• • Random assignment of tasks without clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each team member

• • Assign specific roles and responsibilities for each team member

• • Creation of a flowchart to illustrate the logical flow between different app features

• • Delegating all tasks to one highly competent team member to ensure uniformity in development practices

Answer explanation

Pseudocode is a great tool for simplifying and structuring complex problems. It allows developers to understand and implement the solution easily by providing a high-level representation of the logic. Flowcharts can help break down complex processes into more manageable stages, streamline work processes, and visualize the sequence of steps needed to complete the project. While assigning roles is a crucial part of project organization, it doesn't necessarily simplify the complexity of the project itself. It's more linked to managing resources than reducing complexity. Assigning tasks randomly without clear roles and responsibilities can lead to confusion, lack of accountability, and inefficiencies. While it's crucial to leverage individual team members' strengths, over-reliance on a single person can create bottlenecks and slow the team's overall productivity. A balanced distribution of tasks is typically more effective.

In the context of object-oriented programming, what BEST describes an object?

• • An object is a blueprint from which individual instances are created

• • An object is an instance of a class that may contain properties (attributes) and methods (actions)

• • An object is a programming paradigm that includes concepts like inheritance and polymorphism

• • An object is a fundamental data type used for storing data

Answer explanation

An object is an instance of a class and can have properties (which hold data) and methods (functions or procedures that perform operations on that data). A blueprint from which individual instances are created describes a class, not an object. Objects are instances of classes. While objects do store data, they are not considered a fundamental data type. Object-oriented programming is the paradigm that includes these concepts, not the object itself.