FOCP

FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

SNSCT – Department of Compute Science and Engineering Page 1

SNS COLLEGE OF tECHNOLOGY

COIMBATORE – 35

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SIENCE AND ENGINEERING (UG & PG)

Final Year Computer Science and Engineering, 1th

Semester

2 Marks Question and Answer

Subject Code & Name: Fundamentals of computer programming

UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

1. Define Computer

• The computer is an electronic device which converts raw data into valid or meaningful

information.

2. What is Program?

• A device to manipulate the data according to the programmed instructions.

• An intelligent machine that solves problems by accepting data, performing certain operation

and producing the result under the direction of step by step instruction called program.

3. Define Data

Data is information that has been translated into a form that is more convenient to process.

4. What is an Information?

The processed data is called the information.

5. The Information Processing Cycle

Using a computer to convert data into useful information is referred to as information

processing (also called data processing). Processing data into information involves four basic

functions:

• Input – data entered into a computer for processing

• Processing – the manipulation of data according to program instructions

• Output – the creation of information resulting from processing

• Storage – the retention of processed data on a storage medium for future use

Collectively, these steps are known as the information processing cycle.



6. What are the Characteristics of Computers?

Some of the characteristics of computers, which make them an essential part of every emerging

technology.

1. Speed

2. Accuracy

3. Diligence

4. Reliability

5. Storage capability

6. versatility

7. Resource sharing

7. Write about various speed levels in computer.

1 nano seconds = 1 X 10-9 Sec

1 pico seconds = 1 X 10-12 Sec

• Computer process data at an extremely fast rate - Millions of instructions per second.

• The speed of a computer is calculated in MHz (Megahertz), that is one million instructions

per second.

• Present computer can perform billions of operations in just one second

1 milli seconds = 1 X 10-3 Sec

1 micro seconds = 1 X 10-6 Sec

1 nano seconds = 1 X 10-9 Sec

1 pico seconds = 1 X 10-12 Sec

8. What do u mean by Accuracy?

• Besides efficiency, Computers are accurate as well.

• The level of accuracy depends on the instructions and the type of machine being used.

• Computers are extremely accurate when accurate programs and data are entered and

processed correctly.

• The popular expression garbage-in, garbage-out (GIGO) means that if inaccurate programs

and data are entered into a computer for processing, the resulting output will also be



inaccurate

9. What do u mean by Diligence:

• A computer does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness and lack of concentration.

• If 4 million calculations have to be performed, then the computer will perform the last four-

millionth calculation with the same accuracy and speed as the first calculation.

10. What do u mean by Reliability:

• It is the measurement of performance of a computer, which is measured against some

predetermined standard for operation without any failure.

• Computer have built in diagnostic capabilities, which help in continuous monitoring of the

system

11 What is a Storage Capacity?

• Computers can store large amounts of data and can recall the required information

• Main memory of the computer is relatively small and it can hold only a certain amount of

information, therefore the data is stored on secondary storage devices such as magnetic

tape or disks.

• Small Sections of the data ca be accessed quickly and brought into the storage devices, as

and when required for processing

12. What is Versatility?

• Computes are quite versatile in nature.

• They can perform multiple tasks simultaneously with great ease.

• For example, at one moment it can be used to draft a letter, another moment it can be used

to play music and in between, one can print a document as well.

13. What do u mean by Resource Sharing?

• In the initial stages of development, computers used to be isolated machines.

• Sharing of costly resources like printers are possible

• Apart from device sharing, data and information can also be shared among groups of

computers

14 What is a No Feeling?

• It does not have feelings ,



• it does not get tired even after long hours of work.

• No IQ (intelligence quotient) Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work

without instruction from the user and it cannot take its own decision as you can

15 Difference between Computer and human

S.NO Characteristics Computer Human

1 Speed Fast and excellent Very slow

2 Accuracy Makes no error High possibility of errors

3 Performance Very good Poor

4 Instructions Follow perfect Chance for imperfect

5 Remember Accurate and exact inaccurate

6 Different Situations Makes good difficult

7. Diligence High low

16 Comparison between computer and calculator

S.NO Characteristics Calculator Computer

1. Speed Fast Much fast

2. Performance Simple calculation and

numeric processing

Complex problem and non

numeric processing

3. Memory Less internal memory and

no permanent storage,

temporary storage only

Large internal memory and

large permanent storage

available

4 Machine Electronic Device Electronic Device

5. Operation Arithmetic Arithmetic and logical

17 Name some Applications of computer

1. In business

2. in industry

3. in home

4. in education



5. in training

6. for entertainment

7. in science and engineering

8. in mathematics

9. In Medicine and Health care.

18 When to use a computer?

1. When accuracy to be improved

2. When delays are to be minimized

3. When high volume of data is required to store

4. When efficiency and economy is required

19 Evolution of computers:

Abacus:

Napier device:

Slide rule:

Pascaline:

Stepped Reckoner.

Charles Babbage’s Engines

Hollerith’s Card reading machine:

Mark I digital Computers:

ENIAC

EDVACEDSAC

UNIVAC

LARC Machine

Microprocessor

VLSI

• VLSI – Very Large Scale Integration design

20. Generations of computers:

In computer terminology the word generation is described as a stage of technological development

or innovation.



According to technology used there are 5 generations of computers

Vacuum Tube

• transistor

Integrated Circuit

• Microprocessor

Super Large Scale Integrated (SLSI)

21 Classification of Computers

Computers also differ based on their data processing abilities. Based on physical size, performance

and application areas we generally divide computers into four major categories

i. Micro Computers

ii. Mini Computers

iii. Mainframe Computers

iv. Super Computers

22 What is a Micro Computers

• A Micro computer is a small, low cost digital computer, Which usually consists of a micro

processor, a storage unit, an input channel and an output channel all of which may be on

one chip inserted into one or several PC Boards.

• The addition of a power supply and connecting cables, appropriate peripherals

(keyboard, monitor, printer and disk drivers ), an operating system and other software

programs can provide a complete micro computer system

• Examples IBM-PC, Pentium 100, IBM-PC Pentium 200 and Apple macintosh

• Micro computers includes

a) Desktop Computer

b) Laptop

c) Hand-held

23 Desktop Computer

• Also known as Personal Computer(PC)

• Standalone system used by an individual

• These are the most common type of micro computers



• They consist of a system unit, a display monitor, a keyboard, internal hard

disk storage and peripheral devices

• Main reason behind the importance of the PCs is that they are not very

expensive for the individuals or the small businesses.

• Some of the major personal computer manufacturers are APPLE, IBM, Del.

24 What do u mean by portable computers

• A portable computer, that is, a user can carry it around.

• Since the laptop computer resembles a notebook, it is also known as

“notebook”

• Small computers which enclosing all the basic features of a normal desktop

computers.

• Advantage:

i) Can use anywhere and at anytime, especially when one is traveling.

ii) They do not need external power supply as a rechargeable battery is

completely self contained in them

• Disadvantage:

i) Expensive compared to desktop computers

25 Hand-Held Computer

• A hand-held, also called personal digital assistant (PDA) is a computer that can

conveniently be stored in a pocket (of sufficient size) and used while the user is

holding it.

• They are slightly bigger than the common calculators.

• A PDA user generally uses a pen or electronic stylus instead of keyboard for

input.

• Since these computers are easily fitted on the palm, they are also known as

palmtop computers.

• They usually have no disk drive, rather they use small cards to store programs

and data.

• However they can be connected to printer or a disk drive to generate output or

store data.



• Disadvantage: It has limited memory and are less powerful as compared to

desktop computers

• Examples: Apple newton, casio cassiopeia and franklin eBookMan

26 Mini Computers

• In the early 1960s, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) started shipping its PDP series

computer, which the press described and referred as mini computers.

• The mini computer is a small digital computer whose process and storage capacity is

lesser than that of a mainframe, but more than that of micro computer.

• Its speed of processing data is in between that of a mainframe and a micro computer.

27 Mainframe Computer

• A mainframe is an ultra-high performance computer made for high-volume,

processor-intensive computing.

• It consists of a high-end computer processor, with related peripheral devices,

capable of supporting large volumes of data processing, high performance online

transaction processing systems, and extensive data storage and retrieval.

• It is able to process and store more data than a mini computer and far more than a

micro computer.

• It is designed to perform at a faster rate than a mini computer and at even more

faster rate than a micro computer. Mainframes are the second largest (in capability

and size) of the computer family, he largest being super computers.

• Mainframes can usually execute many programs simultaneously at a high speed

28 What do u mean by Super Computers?

• Super computers are the special purpose machines, which are specially designed to

maximize the numbers of FLOPS (Floating Point Operation per Second).

• Any computer below one gigaflop / sec is not considered a super computer.

• A super computer can process a great deal of information and make extensive

calculations very quickly.

29 What are the Basic Computer Organization?

A computer performs basically five major operations or functions irrespective of their size

and make.

1. Input



2. Storage

3. Processing

4. Output

5. Controlling

30 Write about Input Unit

Data and instructions are entered into the memory of a computer through input devices.

• It captures information and translates it into a form that can be processed by CPU.

• Computer accepts input in two ways

1. Manually

2. Directly

• Manually: The user enters data into the computer by hand. E.g. Keyboard, mouse etc

• Directly: Information is fed into the computer automatically from a source document(like

barcode.).

31 Write about Storage Unit

• The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage.

• Data has to be fed into the system before the actual processing starts. It is because the

processing speed of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast that the data has to be provided

to CPU with the same speed.

• Therefore the data is first stored in the storage unit for faster access and processing.

• The storage unit performs the following major functions:

� Data and instructions required for processing (received from input

devices)

� Intermediate results of processing

� Final results of processing, before they are released to an output device

32 What do u mean by Primary storage?

� Also known as main memory.

� Used to hold running program instructions

� Used to hold data, intermediate results, and results of ongoing processing of

job(s)

� Fast in operation



� Small Capacity

� Expensive

� Volatile (looses data on power dissipation)

� Primary memory can be further classified into

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

2. ROM (Read only Memory)

33 what is Secondary storage?

• Also known as auxiliary memory or external memory.

• Used to hold stored program instructions

• Used to hold data and information of stored jobs

• Slower than primary storage

• Large Capacity

• Lot cheaper that primary storage

• Non volatile (Retains data even without power)

34 write about Arithmetic and logic unit

• Arithmetic Unit: Contains circuitry that is responsible for performing the actual computing

and carrying out the arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and

division. It can perform these operations at a very high speed.

• Logic Unit: Perform logical operation based on the instruction. The operations are logical

comparisons between data items. This unit can compare numbers, letters or special

characters. Logic unit can test for 3 conditions: equal-to condition, Less-than condition and

Greater-than condition.

35 Control unit (Controlling)

• This unit checks the correctness of sequences of operations.

• It fetches program instruction from primary storage unit known as fetching, interpret them

and ensure correct execution of the program known as decoding.

• The time required to fetch and decode an instruction is called instruction time, or I-time.

• It also controls the input/output devices and directs the overall functioning



36 Draw process of Central processing unit:

� The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and

makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided.

It is then sent back to the storage unit.

� The CPU consists of a control unit, an arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), and registers.

� CPU, the brain of any computer system.

� It is just like brain that takes all major decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs

different parts of the computer functions by activating and controlling the operations.

37. Convert Binary to Decimal Conversion:

1010112 => 1 x 20 = 1

1 x 21 = 2

0 x 22 = 0

1 x 23 = 8

0 x 24 = 0

1 x 25 = 32

----

4310

38. Convert Decimal to Binary conversion:



39. convert Octal to Decimal

7248 => 4 x 80 = 4

2 x 81 = 16

7 x 82 = 448

---------

46810

40.Convert Decimal to octal:

41. Convert Hexadecimal to Decimal

ABC16 => C x 160 = 12 x1 =12

B x 161 = 11 x 16 = 176

A x 162 = 10 x 256 = 2560

----------

274810

42. Convert Decimal to Hexadecimal



43. Convert octal to Binary

Convert 518 to binary:

58 = 1012

18 = 0012

Thus: 518 = 101 0012

44. Binary to octal

Technique

Group bits in threes, starting on right

– Convert to octal digits

For instance, convert binary 1010111100 to octal:

001 010 111 100

1 2 7 4

Thus 10101111002 = 12748



Prepared UNIT 2

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

1. What is a Software?

Software refers to the instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do. It is

responsible for controlling, integrating and managing the hardware components of a computer and

to accomplish specific tasks.

In other words software tells the computer what to do and how to do it.

Eg: The operating system is a software that manages our computer and the device connected to it.

• Software guides the computer at every step where to start and stop during a particular job.

• The process of software development is called

programming.

2. What do you mean by Computer program?

Computer needs to be instructed to perform any tasks. These instructions are given in the form of

Computer programs, which are written in computer programming languages.

3. What is Software Packages?

Set of program or software (independent software), which are specifically written to provide

the user a precise functionality like solving a specific problem is termed as a software package. Ex.

Microsoft Office Package. Ms Office contain software like Microsoft Word document, Microsoft

powerpoint presentation, Microsoft Access…..

4. What are the types of Software?

a) System Software

b) Application Software

5. What is an System Software?

• System software acts as an interface between the hardware of the computer and

the software applications.



• The purpose of this software is to help the user to run the computer system.

• System software consists of several programs, which are directly responsible for

controlling , integrating and managing the individual hardware components of the

computer system.

• System software is more transparent and less noticed by the users, they usually

interact with the hardware or the application and not with the user.

6.Write Functions of System Software?

They provide basic functions like

1. File management

2. Visual display

3. keyboard input

7.Give Examples of System Software ?

• Operating System

• Device Drivers

• Language Translators

• System Utilities

8.What is an Operating System?

8. Operating system (OS) is an interface between hardware and user.

9. Operating system is the first layer of software loaded into computer memory.

10. All other software that gets loaded for various common core service. In other

words System Software provides the software platform, on top of which other

programs can run (system software is the base for other software to run).

9. What are all the common core service of operating System?

Disk access

Memory management

Configuring and controlling peripheral devices

Managing essential file operations, including formatting or copying

disks, and renaming or deleting files

Monitoring system performance ( Security management)

Providing a user interface



10. Examples of Operating systems are

• Windows 2000 Professional Windows 2000 Professional was designed for

use with business computers and was the successor to Windows 98 for

office environments.

• Windows XP Professional Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional was

designed for the latest computers that are fast, powerful, and have lots of

memory and hard disk space. It combined the more powerful features of

Windows 2000. Windows XP contained many new and improved features

and was extremely user-friendly.

• Windows Vista Windows Vista, released in 2007, improves and expands on

Windows XP’s capabilities. It provides much more robust security features

than any earlier version..

11 Give some features of OS?

o Process Management ( program execution)

o Memory Management

o File management

o Device Management

o Security management

o User Interface

12 Explain Device Driver?

• Device driver or software driver are system programs which are responsible for

proper functioning of devices.

• Every device such as printer, monitor, mouse or keyboard, has a driver

associated with it for its proper functioning.

• When ever a new device is added to the computer system, a new device driver (

Software for particular device) must be installed before the device is used.

13.What is Language Translator?

� Computer can understand a language consisting of 0s and 1s called machine

language

� Special programming languages called high- level language were developed that

resemble natural languages like English.



� Therefore, tool was required which could translate a program written in a

programming language to machine language.

� Depending on the programming language used, language translators are divided

into three major categories.

o Compiler

o Interpreter

o Assembler

14 Define Compiler?

The program written in any high level language is converted into machine language using a

compiler. Compiler translate source code (user written program) into object code (binary form)

15 What is an Interpreter?

Interpreter analyses and executes the source code in line-by-line manner , without looking

at the entire program. The advantage of interpreter is that they can execute a program

spontaneously. Compiler requires some time before an executable program is formed because it

looks at the whole source code.

16 What is an Assembler?

Assembly language is closest to the machine code. Assembly language is fundamentally a symbolic

representation of machine code. The assembly language program must be translated into machine

code by a separate program called an assembler. The assembler program recognizes the character

strings that make up the symbolic names of the various machine operations and substitutes the

required machine code for the instruction.

17 List some System Utility?

• System utility program perform day to day task related to the

maintenance of the computer system.

• They are used to support, enhance and secure existing programs and data in the computer

system.

• Some utility programs are usually provided along with the operating system, some are free

while some need to be purchased from the 3rd

party vendors.

Ex. For system utilities:

o Disk checkers

o Disk cleaners



o Antivirus utilities

o Registry cleaners

o Network managers

18 Explain Application software:

• Application software is used to accomplish specific tasks.

• It consist of a single program, such as Microsoft`s Notepad(for writing and

editing simple text)

• It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software

package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as database management

software.

• Application software may also include a larger collection of related but

independent programs and packages which have a common user interface or shared

data format, such as Microsoft office suite.

• Application software is dependent on system software

• Application software is controlled by system software, which manages

hardware devices and performs back ground tasks for them.

• Application software ranges form games, calculators and word

processors(text editor), paint(image Editor)

19 Name Some commonly used application software are

1) Word processors

2) Spreadsheets

3) Image editors

4) Database management systems

5) Presentation Applications

6) Desktop Publishing Software

20 Explain Word Processors

1 Word processor is a software used to compose (create), format, edit and print electronic

document.

2 Word processing is one of the earliest application for office productivity and personal computer



3 It involves not only typing, but also checking the spelling and grammar of the text and arranging it

correctly on a page.

4 A variety of different type-faces (Font Name, Font Style) is available for a variety of effects.

5 It is possible to include pictures, graphs, charts and many other things within the text of the

document.

It also allows for changes in margins, fonts and color.

6 Example of some well known word processors are Microsoft Word and WordPerfect

\

UNIT III

1. What is Algorithm?

Algorithm means the logic of a program. It is a step by step description of a program.

2. List out the way how algorithm may be represented?

• Normal English

• Flow chart



• Pseudocode

• Decision table

3. What is a decision table?

A decision table is a table containing the selection of condition to be tested and how those

conditions should be nested to arrive at the proper action.

4. Define compiler.

It is a program used to convert the high level language program into machine language.

5. Define Assembler.

It is a program used to convert the assembly language program into machine language.

6. Define Interpreter.

It is a program used to convert the high level language program into machine language line by

line.

7. What are the types of programming language?

• Machine language

• Assembly language

• High level language

8. Define flow chart.

Flow chart is the pictorial representation of a program.

9. List out the basic design structure?

• Sequence structure

• Selection structure

• Loop structure

10. List out the any three advantages of flowchart.

• Better communication

• Effective synthesis

• Effective analysis

11. What do u mean by Flow chart ?



o A flowchart is a schematic representation of an algorithm or a stepwise process,

showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting these with

arrows. Flowcharts are used in designing or documenting a process or program.

o A flow chart, or flow diagram, is a graphical representation of a process or system

that details the sequencing of steps required to create output.

o A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order.

12. types of flow chart ?

• High level Flow chart

• Detailed Flow chart

• Matrix Flow chart

13. What is high level flow Chart ?

A high-level (also called first-level or top-down) flowchart shows the major steps in a

process. It illustrates a "birds-eye view" of a process, such as the example in the figure

entitled High-Level Flowchart of Prenatal Care. It can also include the intermediate outputs of

each step (the product or service produced), and the sub-steps involved. Such a flowchart

offers a basic picture of the process and identifies the changes taking place within the process.

It is significantly useful for identifying appropriate team members (those who are involved in

the process) and for developing indicators for monitoring the process because of its focus on

intermediate outputs.

14. What is Detailed Flowchart ?

The detailed flowchart provides a detailed picture of a process by mapping all of the

steps and activities that occur in the process. This type of flowchart indicates the steps or

activities of a process and includes such things as decision points, waiting periods, tasks that

frequently must be redone (rework), and feedback loops. This type of flowchart is useful for

examining areas of the process in detail and for looking for problems or areas of inefficiency.

For example, the Detailed Flowchart of Patient Registration reveals the delays that result

when the record clerk and clinical officer are not available to assist clients.

15. What is Matrix Flow chart?

A deployment flowchart maps out the process in terms of who is doing the steps. It is

in the form of a matrix, showing the various participants and the flow of steps among these

participants. It is chiefly useful in identifying who is providing inputs or services to whom, as



well as areas where different people may be needlessly doing the same task. See the

Deployment of Matrix Flowchart.

16. Name some Benifits of flowchart ?

1. Communication: Flowcharts are better way of communicating the logic of a system to all

concerned.

2. Effective analysis: With the help of flowchart, problem can be analysed in more effective

way.

3. Proper documentation: Program flowcharts serve as a good program documentation, which

is needed for various purposes.

4. Efficient Coding: The flowcharts act as a guide or blueprint during the systems analysis

and program development phase.

5. Proper Debugging: The flowchart helps in debugging process.

6. Efficient Program Maintenance: The maintenance of operating program becomes easy with

the help of flowchart. It helps the programmer to put efforts more efficiently on that part

17. What is Shareware

Shareware is software developed by an individual or software publisher who retains

ownership of the product and makes it available for a small “contribution” fee. The voluntary

fee normally entitles users to receive online or written product documentation and technical

help.

18. What do u mean by Freeware

Freeware is software that is provided free of charge to anyone wanting to use it. Hundreds of

freeware

programs are available, many written by college students and professors who create programs

as class projects or as part of their research.

19. What is a Open Source Software

An open source software program is software whose programming code is owned by

the original developer but made available free to the general public, who is encouraged to

experiment with the software, make improvements, and share the improvements with the user

community

20. Application Software for Individual



The thousands of application programs that individuals use to perform computing tasks at

work and at home can be grouped into four types:

a) Productivity software

b) Software for household use

c) Graphics and multimedia software

d) Communication software

21. What is Word Processing

A word processing program can be used to create almost any kind of printed

document. Word processors are the most widely used of all software applications because

they are central to communication.:

22. What are the processes carried out in word processor

� Create (enter) text

� Edit the text

� Format the document

� Save and print the file

FOCP

Documents

common core service

accomplish specific tasks

matrix flow chart

central processing unit

assembly language program

information processing cycle

flow chart

assembly language