AQA GCSE Computer Science - 3.2.10 Subroutines

What is a subroutine?

• A named self-contained section of code that performs a specific task
• Another name for pseudocode
• A routine that has no connection at all to the main routine
• A word used exclusively in movies to sound cool

What is the difference between a function and a procedure?

• Procedures just carry out instructions, functions always return values
• Functions carry out instructions and procdures return values
• Trick question: they are the same thing
• Both always return values but in different data types

Define a paramater

• A variable named in the subroutine heading that uses values you give it
• Instructions that stop functions from working if theyaren't followed by the user
• Boolean logic used exclsuively in functions
• An instruction that will return a value if it is followed through

Define a local variable

• A variable defined in a function
• A variable declared at the beginning of the main program
• A variable declared in the main program
• A vaiable declared right at the end of the main program

Define a global variable

• A variable declared in the main program
• A variable declared at the beginning of the main program
• A variable declared in a function
• A vaiable declared right at the end of the main program

What makes a local variable special?

• It can only be called in the subroutine it is declared in
• The computer is unable to understand it without third-party software
• Its value is unique to your LAN
• Trick question: it's the same as a global variable

What is an advantage of using a local variable?

• The function can be used with different variables for the same purpose
• The code is harder to disrrupt
• It's easier for the user to call back to it outside the function
• Trick question: local variables are useless

How do you call a subroutine?

• By using the variable it is assigned to in the code
• With a landline
• By calling one of its local variables
• By calling its parameters

Why are subroutines useful?

• To avoid repeating code and reduce length
• Only to make debugging easier
• Only to reduce the number of memory used
• Trick question: functions are always disadvantageous

Why are parameters useful?

• It makes the subroutine more dynamic
• It always makes the subroutine run faster
• It makes the subroutine easier to call
• It makes the subroutine easier to understand by the machine