Overview: An Introduction to Programming
TRUE/FALSE
1. Programming teams often contain subject matter experts, who may or may not be programmers.
ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. Obtaining vendor-specific and/or language-specific certifications can provide a competitive
advantage to programmers seeking employment.
ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 3
3. Computer programmers typically are responsible for designing an appropriate solution to a user’s
problem, while software developers are responsible for translating the solution into a language
that the computer can understand.
ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 2
4. The design and coding tasks should not performed by the same employee in a company.
ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 2
5. It is unusual for a programmer to have designed the solution he is coding.
ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 2
MULTIPLE CHOICE
,1. In essence, the word ____ means giving a mechanism the directions to accomplish a task.
a. compiling c. programming
b. assembling d. linking
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. Directions given to a computer are known as computer ____.
a. statements c. arguments
b. programs d. code
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 2
3. The process of translating a solution into a language that the computer can understand is known
as ____.
a. coding c. programming
b. assembling d. compiling
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 2
4. Typically, ____ are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or
computer science, along with practical work experience.
a. data entry clerks c. systems support personnel
b. software developers d. computer programmers
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 2-3
5. ____ usually need at least an associate’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or information
systems, as well as proficiency in one or more programming languages.
a. Data entry clerks c. Systems managers
, b. Software developers d. Computer programmers
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 3
6. ____ learners learn by doing.
a. Visual c. Emotional
b. Auditory d. Kinesthetic
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 5
COMPLETION
1. The people who write programs are called ____________________.
ANS: programmers
PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. ____________________ learners learn by watching.
ANS: Visual
PTS: 1 REF: 5
3. ____________________ learners learn by listening.
ANS: Auditory
, PTS: 1 REF: 5
SHORT ANSWER
1. What are a programmers steps for developing a computer solution?
ANS:
First the programmer meets with the user, which is the person (or persons) responsible for
describing the problem. In many cases, this person also will eventually use the solution.
Depending on the complexity of the problem, multiple programmers may be involved, and they
may need to meet with the user several times. The purpose of the initial meetings is to determine
the exact problem and to agree on the desired solution. After the programmer and user agree on
the solution, the programmer begins converting the solution into a computer program. During the
conversion phase, the programmer meets periodically with the user to determine whether the
program fulfills the user’s needs and to refine any details of the solution. When the user is
satisfied that the program does what he or she wants it to do, the programmer rigorously tests the
program with sample data before releasing it to the user. In many cases, the programmer also
provides the user with a manual that explains how to use the program.
PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. Explain the difference between software developers and computer programmers.
ANS:
Software developers are typically responsible for designing an appropriate solution to a user’s
problem. Computer programmers are responsible for translating the solution into a language that
the computer can understand. However, depending on the employer and the size and complexity
of the user’s problem, the design and coding tasks may be performed by the same employee,
regardless of that employee’s exact job title.
PTS: 1 REF: 2
3. Describe the skills and education needed by software developers and computer programmers.
TRUE/FALSE
1. Programming teams often contain subject matter experts, who may or may not be programmers.
ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. Obtaining vendor-specific and/or language-specific certifications can provide a competitive
advantage to programmers seeking employment.
ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 3
3. Computer programmers typically are responsible for designing an appropriate solution to a user’s
problem, while software developers are responsible for translating the solution into a language
that the computer can understand.
ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 2
4. The design and coding tasks should not performed by the same employee in a company.
ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 2
5. It is unusual for a programmer to have designed the solution he is coding.
ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 2
MULTIPLE CHOICE
,1. In essence, the word ____ means giving a mechanism the directions to accomplish a task.
a. compiling c. programming
b. assembling d. linking
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. Directions given to a computer are known as computer ____.
a. statements c. arguments
b. programs d. code
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 2
3. The process of translating a solution into a language that the computer can understand is known
as ____.
a. coding c. programming
b. assembling d. compiling
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 2
4. Typically, ____ are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or
computer science, along with practical work experience.
a. data entry clerks c. systems support personnel
b. software developers d. computer programmers
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 2-3
5. ____ usually need at least an associate’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or information
systems, as well as proficiency in one or more programming languages.
a. Data entry clerks c. Systems managers
, b. Software developers d. Computer programmers
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 3
6. ____ learners learn by doing.
a. Visual c. Emotional
b. Auditory d. Kinesthetic
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 5
COMPLETION
1. The people who write programs are called ____________________.
ANS: programmers
PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. ____________________ learners learn by watching.
ANS: Visual
PTS: 1 REF: 5
3. ____________________ learners learn by listening.
ANS: Auditory
, PTS: 1 REF: 5
SHORT ANSWER
1. What are a programmers steps for developing a computer solution?
ANS:
First the programmer meets with the user, which is the person (or persons) responsible for
describing the problem. In many cases, this person also will eventually use the solution.
Depending on the complexity of the problem, multiple programmers may be involved, and they
may need to meet with the user several times. The purpose of the initial meetings is to determine
the exact problem and to agree on the desired solution. After the programmer and user agree on
the solution, the programmer begins converting the solution into a computer program. During the
conversion phase, the programmer meets periodically with the user to determine whether the
program fulfills the user’s needs and to refine any details of the solution. When the user is
satisfied that the program does what he or she wants it to do, the programmer rigorously tests the
program with sample data before releasing it to the user. In many cases, the programmer also
provides the user with a manual that explains how to use the program.
PTS: 1 REF: 2
2. Explain the difference between software developers and computer programmers.
ANS:
Software developers are typically responsible for designing an appropriate solution to a user’s
problem. Computer programmers are responsible for translating the solution into a language that
the computer can understand. However, depending on the employer and the size and complexity
of the user’s problem, the design and coding tasks may be performed by the same employee,
regardless of that employee’s exact job title.
PTS: 1 REF: 2
3. Describe the skills and education needed by software developers and computer programmers.
