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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Technology

Programming Fundamentals Quiz Challenge

Assess Core Coding Skills with Multiple-Choice Questions

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to a Programming Fundamentals Quiz

Looking to sharpen your programming fundamentals? This interactive quiz offers a series of multiple-choice challenges to test your grasp of variables, loops, and data types. It's ideal for students and developers seeking to reinforce coding basics and boost confidence. Every question can be freely modified in our editor to suit your learning needs. Explore more quizzes like the Programming Fundamentals Assessment Quiz or dive into language-specific tests such as the Java Programming Fundamentals Quiz.

What will be printed by this code snippet: if x > 0 then print 'Positive' else print 'Non-Positive' when x = -3?
0
Non-Positive
Error
Positive
Since x is -3, the condition x > 0 is false, so the else branch executes, printing 'Non-Positive'. The if branch only runs for positive values.
Which data type is most appropriate for storing a user's age in whole years?
Float
String
Integer
Boolean
Age in whole years is best represented by an integer type, since it does not require fractional values. Using an integer ensures efficient storage and arithmetic operations.
Which loop construct is guaranteed to execute its body at least once?
do-while loop
for loop
foreach loop
while loop
A do-while loop executes its body first and checks the condition afterwards, guaranteeing at least one execution. Other loops check the condition before the first iteration.
Which symbol denotes a single-line comment in Java, C#, and JavaScript?
#
//
/* */
In Java, C#, and JavaScript, '//' marks the start of a single-line comment. Everything following '//' on the same line is ignored by the compiler or interpreter.
Which term describes an algorithm that checks each element sequentially until it finds the target value?
Linear Search
Binary Search
Quick Sort
Merge Sort
Linear search examines each element in order until it matches the target or reaches the end. It does not require sorted data, unlike binary search.
Given the code: if x % 2 == 0 then if x % 3 == 0 then print 'Divisible by 6' else print 'Even but not divisible by 3' else print 'Odd'. What prints when x = 9?
Error
Even but not divisible by 3
Odd
Divisible by 6
For x = 9, x % 2 == 0 is false, so the outer else branch executes, printing 'Odd'. The nested checks are skipped.
Which data type is most appropriate for storing phone numbers with leading zeros and hyphens?
String
Double
Float
Integer
Phone numbers may include leading zeros and formatting characters such as hyphens, so a string type preserves the exact representation. Numeric types would drop leading zeros.
What is the time complexity of this pseudocode? for i from 1 to n do for j from 1 to n do constant operation
O(n log n)
O(n)
O(log n)
O(n^2)
There are two nested loops, each running n times, so the total number of operations grows proportionally to n à - n, which is O(n^2).
Which pseudocode correctly uses a while loop to compute the sum of numbers from 1 to n?
i = 1; sum = 0; while i <= n; sum = sum + i; i = i + 1;
i = 1; sum = 0; while i < n; i = i + 1; sum = sum + i;
i = 0; sum = 0; while i <= n; sum = sum + i;
i = 1; sum = 0; while sum <= n; sum = sum + i; i = i + 1;
The correct loop initializes i at 1, checks i <= n, adds i to sum, and increments i each iteration. This ensures all numbers from 1 through n are included.
Which step is part of the problem decomposition strategy in coding tasks?
Combining all tasks in one function
Ignoring edge cases
Dividing the problem into subproblems
Writing code without planning
Problem decomposition involves breaking a complex problem into smaller, more manageable subproblems. This helps in organizing and tackling each component systematically.
In Java, which of these is a valid variable declaration?
let x = 5;
var x = 5;
int x = 5;
x := 5
Java requires an explicit type before the variable name, so 'int x = 5;' is correct. var and let are used in other languages, and ':=' is not valid Java syntax.
Which construct is typically more efficient than multiple if-else statements when checking one variable against many constant values?
while loop
Nested if
Switch-case
for loop
A switch-case can jump directly to the matching case value, making it more efficient and readable when checking one variable against many constants compared to a chain of if-else.
Given an array of length n, which loop correctly iterates through all its elements using zero-based indexing?
for i = 0; i <= n; i++
for i = 1; i <= n; i++
for i = 1; i < n; i++
for i = 0; i < n; i++
With zero-based indexing, valid indices go from 0 to n-1, so the loop condition must be i < n when starting from 0. Other options either miss the first or go out of bounds.
Which algorithmic pattern is divide-and-conquer and commonly implemented using recursion?
Binary Search
Bubble Sort
Linear Search
Selection Sort
Binary search splits the search range in half each time, making it a classic divide-and-conquer algorithm often implemented recursively. The others do not follow this pattern.
Which data structure follows First-In-First-Out (FIFO) order and is appropriate for scheduling tasks?
Array
Queue
Stack
Tree
A queue uses FIFO order, where the first element added is the first removed, making it ideal for scheduling. A stack uses LIFO, and arrays and trees are not inherently FIFO structures.
Consider this pseudocode: count = 0; for i = 1 to 5 do for j = 1 to i do if j == 3 then count = count + 1. What is the final value of count?
3
1
2
5
j equals 3 only when i ≥ 3 (i = 3, 4, 5), so the condition is true three times. Each true check increments count by one, resulting in 3.
Which Java data type should you choose to store a 50-digit integer?
BigDecimal
long
int
BigInteger
int and long are limited by fixed sizes (32-bit and 64-bit). BigInteger supports arbitrary-precision integers, making it suitable for very large values.
Which algorithmic technique involves storing computed results to avoid redundant work?
Greedy
Memoization
Divide and Conquer
Brute Force
Memoization caches the results of expensive function calls and returns the cached result when the same inputs occur again, avoiding repeated computations.
What will the following code print? sum = 0; for i = 1 to 5 do if i == 3 then continue; sum = sum + i; print(sum)
12
15
9
10
The loop adds all values from 1 to 5 except 3 (skipped by continue), so sum = 1+2+4+5 = 12. The sum function prints this final result.
In Python, which syntax defines an anonymous function that squares its argument x?
lambda x: x**2
(x) => x**2
x => x*x
fun x -> x*x
Python uses the 'lambda' keyword followed by parameters, a colon, and the expression to return. 'lambda x: x**2' correctly defines a function that returns x squared.
0
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse code flow using conditional statements
  2. Evaluate appropriate data types for variables
  3. Identify common algorithmic patterns in problems
  4. Demonstrate loop constructs in code solutions
  5. Apply problem-solving strategies to coding tasks
  6. Master fundamental syntax rules across languages

Cheat Sheet

  1. Variables as Memory References - Think of variables as colorful sticky notes stuck on boxes in your brain's filing cabinet: they store data you can pull out, change, or swap anytime you like. In Python, writing my_age = 20 sticks "20" in a box labeled my_age. Understanding Programming Fundamentals
  2. Conditional Statements for Decision Making - If your code needs to make choices, if, else if, and else are its trusty traffic lights. They guide the flow: "If the score is high, give an A; otherwise, check for a B; if all else fails, C it is!" Understanding Programming Fundamentals
  3. Loop Constructs for Repetition - Loops are like your favorite song on repeat: they keep doing the same thing until you tell them to stop. Whether you choose a for loop in Java or a while loop in Python, you'll save tons of typing by automating repetitive tasks. Understanding Programming Fundamentals
  4. Algorithmic Patterns and Efficiency - Ever tried finding a name in a phonebook? Linear search flips pages one by one; binary search zeroes in by halving the list each time - super speedy at O(log n)! Throw in hash tables, and you'll get near-instant lookups for party guest lists or homework helpers. 10 Essential Programming Concepts for Beginners
  5. Syntax Rules and Code Structure - Good code is like a well-penned essay: it needs punctuation, proper indentation, and clear structure. In Python, forgetting to indent is like dropping the period on your sentence - everything falls apart! Basic Fundamental Concepts of Programming
  6. Functions for Reusability - Functions are your code's Swiss Army knife: pack complex operations into a neat, reusable tool. Define def add(a, b): return a + b once, and call it anywhere you need quick math magic. Basic Fundamental Concepts of Programming
  7. Data Structures for Organized Storage - Arrays, lists, and collections keep your data fresh, organized, and easy to find - like putting your favorite snacks in labeled jars. In JavaScript, let fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']; sets you up for smooth snack retrieval! Basic Fundamental Concepts of Programming
  8. OOP Fundamentals - Object-Oriented Programming is like building with Legos: classes define blocks, objects snap them together, and inheritance lets you create new blocks from old ones. Override a method in your subclass to make your code bark like a dog instead of moo like a cow! Basic Fundamental Concepts of Programming
  9. Problem-Solving Strategies - Tackling big coding puzzles? Slice them into tiny, bite-sized challenges, then conquer each one - you'll turn mountain-sized bugs into molehills in no time. This method keeps you organized and coding confidently! Understanding Programming Fundamentals
  10. Clean Code Practices - Write code that's as tidy as your desk: use clear names, sprinkle in comments like sticky notes, and organize files like folders. Future you (and your teammates) will thank you when debugging feels like a breeze. Understanding Programming Fundamentals
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