PPD411 Practice Question

Which of the following characteristics would most likely make a program harder to understand and maintain?

• Readability

• Simplicity

• Complexity

• Modularity

Answer explanation

Complexity makes a program harder to understand and maintain because it introduces intricate structures and relationships, making it difficult for developers to follow the logic and make changes without introducing errors.

A sentinel value in a loop is used primarily to:

• Repeat the process forever

• Mark the beginning of input

• End user input based on a condition

• Reset a program

Answer explanation

A sentinel value is a specific input that signals the end of user input in a loop. It allows the program to terminate input collection based on a condition, making 'End user input based on a condition' the correct choice.

In structured programming, which of the following is considered an advanced concept rather than a basic control structure?

• Sequence

• Decision

• Iteration

• Recursion

Answer explanation

Recursion is considered an advanced concept in structured programming, as it involves a function calling itself, which can lead to complex problem-solving techniques. In contrast, sequence, decision, and iteration are basic control structures.

Why is modular programming widely used in software development?

• It decreases performance

• It eliminates documentation

• It breaks the program into manageable sections

• It combines all logic into one block

Answer explanation

Modular programming is widely used because it breaks the program into manageable sections, making it easier to develop, test, and maintain. This approach enhances code organization and reusability.

What role does pseudocode play during the software development process?

• It is executed directly by the computer

• It outlines the logical steps in plain language

• It replaces the need for flowcharts

• It is a syntax checker

Answer explanation

Pseudocode serves as a tool to outline the logical steps of an algorithm in plain language, making it easier for developers to understand and implement the code. It does not execute, replace flowcharts, or check syntax.

Which of the following terms is least relevant to relational databases?

• Entity

• Attribute

• Variable

• Primary Key

Answer explanation

The term 'Variable' is least relevant to relational databases, which focus on 'Entity', 'Attribute', and 'Primary Key' concepts. Variables are more associated with programming rather than database structure.

One main distinction between object-oriented programming (OOP) and procedural programming is:

• OOP avoids user-defined functions

• OOP emphasizes the use of objects and encapsulation

• Procedural programming cannot use loops

• Procedural programming always has a graphical interface

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that OOP focuses on objects and encapsulation, which are key principles distinguishing it from procedural programming, where functions and procedures are the main focus.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of database normalization?

• To duplicate data for safety

• To design more complex queries

• To reduce data redundancy

• To increase storage usage

Answer explanation

The purpose of database normalization is to reduce data redundancy by organizing data efficiently, ensuring that each piece of information is stored only once. This minimizes duplication and improves data integrity.

Create pseudocode for a program that prompts the user to enter five numbers and then displays them in alphabetical and reverse order.

Answer explanation

Prompt the user for five numbers, store them in a list. Sort the list alphabetically, then display it. Reverse the sorted list and display it again. This ensures the numbers are shown in both required orders.

Using the pseudocode "Create pseudocode for a program that prompts the user to enter five numbers and then displays them in alphabetical and reverse order question ", implement the logic in a programming language of your choice.

Answer explanation

To solve the problem, prompt the user for five numbers, store them in a list, sort the list alphabetically, then reverse the sorted list, and finally display the results.