Introduction to Python

Which of the options is not an example of a text-based programming language?

• Java

• Blockly

• Python

• Swift

Why do computers only understand machine language?

Answer explanation

Computers only understand machine language because it is the language composed of binary digits (0s and 1s) that directly correspond to the electrical signals within the computer's hardware.

Why do computers need programming?

Answer explanation

Computers need programming to follow instructions and perform tasks efficiently. Programming allows users to create software and applications tailored to their needs.

What is the difference between machine language and High-Level Languages?

Answer explanation

Machine language is low-level, directly executable by the CPU, while High-Level Languages are more human-readable and need a compiler or interpreter to run.

Briefly differentiate between text-based programming languages and visual programming languages with examples.

Answer explanation

Text-based programming languages use textual commands for coding, like Python or Java. Visual programming languages use visual elements to create code, like Scratch or Blockly.

Find out and explain the similarities and differences between; Compiler and Interpreter

Answer explanation

Both compiler and interpreter are used to convert high-level programming languages into machine code. The main difference is that a compiler translates the entire program at once, while an interpreter translates and executes line by line.

Classify the following based on which of the translator (interpreter or compiler) is used to convert its codes to machine language. i. Python ii. Java iii. Scratch iv. JavaScript v. C++

Answer explanation

i. Python - Python interpreter, ii. Java - Java compiler, iii. Scratch - Scratch interpreter, iv. JavaScript - JavaScript interpreter, v. C++ - C++ compiler

What is the name of the Python environment that allows you to write your program and then test them out?

• shell

• window

• IDLE

• CLI

Answer explanation

IDLE is the default integrated development environment comes with Python. You can however use other IDEs like Visual Studio Code and PyCharm.

Who developed the Python Programming language?

• Tim Berners-Lee

• Bill Gates

• Guido van Rossum

• Ronald Reagan

What is programming?

• Creating hardware components

• Passing instructions to a machine to solve a problem

• Designing computer graphics

• Writing reports about computers

Answer explanation

Programming is giving instructions to the computer or any other computing machine. This set of instructions is meant to help the machine complete a task or solve a problem.