COSC 1301 Final Exam with Complete
Solutions
What is the concept of "abstraction" in computer science, and why is it useful?
Abstraction in computer science refers to simplifying complex systems by modeling classes
based on the essential properties and behaviors while hiding the irrelevant ...
What is the concept of "abstraction" in computer science, and why is it useful?
✔✔Abstraction in computer science refers to simplifying complex systems by modeling classes
based on the essential properties and behaviors while hiding the irrelevant details, making it
easier to manage and understand code.
How does the concept of "encapsulation" enhance data security in programming?
✔✔Encapsulation enhances data security by restricting direct access to an object’s internal state,
allowing manipulation only through defined methods, thereby protecting the integrity of the data.
What role do comments play in programming, and how do they contribute to code quality?
✔✔Comments serve as annotations within the code that explain what certain parts do, making it
easier for others (or the original programmer) to understand and maintain the code, thereby
improving overall code quality.
How can "divide and conquer" be applied in algorithm design?
1
, ✔✔"Divide and conquer" is a strategy that involves breaking a problem down into smaller, more
manageable sub-problems, solving each sub-problem independently, and then combining the
results to solve the original problem efficiently.
What is "pseudocode," and how is it beneficial during the planning phase of programming?
✔✔Pseudocode is a simplified, human-readable description of a program's logic and structure
that allows programmers to plan algorithms without worrying about syntax, facilitating clear
thinking about the solution before actual coding begins.
How does understanding "scope" affect variable management in programming?
✔✔Understanding scope helps programmers manage variable lifetimes and visibility, ensuring
that variables are accessible only where they are intended to be used, which reduces errors and
enhances code maintainability.
What is a "data structure," and how does it differ from an "algorithm"?
✔✔A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data to enable efficient access and
modification, while an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or
performing a task with that data.
How does "recursion" relate to problem-solving, and when is it most effectively used?
2
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