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

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

How does a subroutine return data?

• If its a procedure it depends on how it was coded, functions return values through a return statement
• Through return statements
• Through a text document created by the code
• Into a variable generated by the function being called

How many values does a subroutine have to return?

• As many as it is programmed to return
• 1
• 10
• 1024

What is the maximum amount of parameters a subroutine can have?

• As many as you want
• 64
• As many as the amount of variables in the code
• 2

A subroutine may be disadvantageous in which situation?

• If it is only needed once
• If it is needed more than 10 times
• If it is needed more than 100 times
• If it is needed more than 1x10^1024 times