Computer Science Preparation Paper 2024-2025
Chapter #01
Short Q/A
1. Why is there a need for an index in an Array?
An index in an array is required to access elements efficiently. It allows direct access to any
element using its position, improving performance.
2. Define Algorithm. Write its three advantages.
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined steps to solve a specific problem.
Advantages:
1. Systematic problem-solving approach.
2. Improves efficiency and reduces errors.
3. Can be reused for different applications.
3. What are the good qualities of an algorithm?
Clarity: The steps should be clear and unambiguous.
Efficiency: It should solve the problem in minimal time.
Finiteness: It should terminate after a finite number of steps.
Definiteness: Each step should be precisely defined.
Correctness: The algorithm must produce correct results.
Long Q/A
1. Differences between Queue and Stack.
Stack: Follows Last In, First Out (LIFO) order (e.g., undo operation in text editors).
Queue: Follows First In, First Out (FIFO) order (e.g., printer queue).
2. Define flowchart and explain its five symbols.
A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm using symbols.
Symbols:
Oval: Start/End
Rectangle: Process
Parallelogram: Input/Output
Diamond: Decision
Arrow: Direction of flow
3. Define data structure. Explain non-linear data structure and its types.
A data structure is a way to organize and manage data efficiently.
Non-linear data structures:
Tree: Hierarchical structure (e.g., file system).
Graph: A collection of nodes and edges (e.g., social networks).
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Chapter #02
Short Q/A
1. Differences between Machine and Assembly language.
Machine language: Written in binary (0s and 1s), directly understood by the computer.
Assembly language: Uses mnemonics (e.g., ADD, MOV) instead of binary, requires an assembler.
2. Define Syntax, Reserved words, Data types, and its storage.
Syntax: Rules defining how code must be written.
Reserved words: Predefined keywords (e.g., int, return).
Data types: Define the kind of value a variable can store (e.g., integer, float).
Storage: The memory required for each data type (e.g., int = 4 bytes).
3. Define constants and variables.
Constant: A value that does not change (e.g., const float pi = 3.14;).
Variable: A named memory location that holds a value which can change.
Long Q/A
1. Define Translators. Explain all its types.
Translators convert high-level code into machine code.
Types:
Compiler: Converts the entire code at once.
Interpreter: Converts and executes code line by line.
Assembler: Converts assembly code to machine code.
2. Describe high-level and low-level languages.
High-level language: Closer to human language (e.g., C++, Python).
Low-level language: Closer to machine language (e.g., Assembly).
3. Define IDE and write its components.
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software for coding.
Components:
Code Editor
Debugger
Compiler
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Chapter #03
Short Q/A
1. Syntax and purpose of:
cin >> Reads input from user.
cout << Displays output on the screen.
getch() Captures a single character input without pressing Enter.
gets() Reads a string input.
2. Define Escape sequences and their purpose.
Escape sequences are special characters preceded by \.
\n New line
\t Tab space
\\ Backslash
3. Define comment statements and types in C++.
Comments explain code without affecting execution.
Types:
Single-line (//)
Multi-line (/* ... */)
4. Define preprocessor directives and main().
Preprocessor directives (e.g., #include <iostream>) tell the compiler to include specific files.
main() is the entry point of a C++ program.
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Chapter #04
Short Q/A
1. Explain the purpose of default in C++.
The default keyword is used in a switch statement to handle cases not covered by case labels.
2. Function of for loop.
A for loop executes a block of code multiple times.
Example:
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
cout << i << " ";
