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Which of the following is a compiled language?
Java
JavaScript
Python
C
Compiled languages translate source code directly into machine code before execution. C uses compilers like GCC to produce an executable binary. In contrast, languages like Python are interpreted at runtime. See Compiled Language for more details.
What does 'IDE' stand for?
Internal Debugging Extension
Internet Deployment Engine
Interactive Design Editor
Integrated Development Environment
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It provides tools like code editor, debugger, and build automation in one application. Popular examples include Visual Studio, Eclipse, and IntelliJ. Learn more at Integrated Development Environment.
Which symbol is used to denote a single-line comment in Python?
//
--
/*
#
In Python, the hash symbol (#) indicates a comment that runs until the end of the line. It is ignored by the interpreter. Other languages like C or Java use // or /* */ for comments. See Python Comments for reference.
What is the output of print(2 + 3 * 4)?
20
9
14
24
In most languages, multiplication has higher precedence than addition. So 3 * 4 is evaluated first, giving 12, then 2 + 12 equals 14. Parentheses can alter the order but none are present here. Details on operator precedence are at Operator Precedence.
Which data structure uses FIFO?
Stack
Tree
Queue
Graph
FIFO stands for First In, First Out. A queue adds elements at the rear and removes from the front, following FIFO. A stack uses LIFO (Last In, First Out) instead. More on queues can be found at Queue Data Structure.
What is the index of the first element in most programming languages arrays?
Depends on the language
0
-1
1
Most procedural and object-oriented languages (like C, Java, Python) use zero-based indexing for arrays. The first element is at index 0, the second at index 1, and so on. Some languages like Fortran use one-based indexing. See Zero-based Numbering for more information.
What keyword is used to define a function in JavaScript?
function
func
def
lambda
In JavaScript, you declare a function using the keyword function followed by the name and parentheses. ES6 introduced arrow functions, but the traditional syntax uses function. Python uses def, and other languages vary. See JavaScript Functions for details.
Which language is primarily used for web page structure?
JavaScript
CSS
SQL
HTML
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) defines the structure and content of web pages. CSS styles the appearance, and JavaScript adds interactivity. SQL is used for database queries, not page structure. Learn more at HTML Guide.
What does HTML stand for?
Hyperlink and Text Markup Language
HighText Markup Language
HyperText Markup Language
HyperText Transfer Language
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It uses tags to structure text, links, images, and other content for the web. Despite the name, it is not a programming language but a markup language. See HTML for more.
Which operator is used for assignment?
==
=
===
:=
The single equals sign (=) is used for assignment in most languages like C, Java, Python, and JavaScript. Double equals (==) is used for comparison, and triple equals (===) in JavaScript checks both type and value. See Assignment Operator for details.
What is the time complexity of binary search?
O(n)
O(log n)
O(1)
O(n log n)
Binary search halves the search range with each comparison, leading to logarithmic time complexity. It requires the data to be sorted. This yields O(log n) performance. Learn more at Binary Search.
What does OOP stand for?
Open Object Protocol
Ordered Object Processing
Overloaded Operation Paradigm
Object-Oriented Programming
OOP stands for Object-Oriented Programming, a paradigm based on objects containing data and methods. It emphasizes encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Languages like Java, C++, and Python support OOP. See Object-Oriented Programming for more.
Which sorting algorithm is generally fastest for large datasets?
Quick Sort
Selection Sort
Insertion Sort
Bubble Sort
Quick Sort has average-case time complexity of O(n log n) and often outperforms other sorts on large datasets. It uses divide-and-conquer by selecting a pivot. Worst-case can be O(n²) but can be mitigated with random pivots. See Quick Sort for details.
What is recursion in programming?
An error condition
A function that calls itself
A type of loop
A data structure
Recursion occurs when a function invokes itself directly or indirectly. It typically requires a base case to terminate. Recursion can simplify code for tasks like traversing trees. See Recursion for more.
Which structure uses LIFO?
Linked List
Stack
Queue
Graph
LIFO stands for Last In, First Out. A stack pushes and pops elements from the same end, ensuring the last inserted element is removed first. This contrasts with FIFO in queues. Read more at Stack (ADT).
What keyword is used to create a class in Java?
define
struct
object
class
In Java, you declare classes using the class keyword followed by the class name. Java does not support structs like C or C++. Classes encapsulate data and behavior. More at Java Classes.
What is a pointer in C?
A loop control structure
A type of function
A variable that stores memory address
An error indicator
A pointer in C holds the memory address of another variable. It enables dynamic memory management and efficient data structures. Dereferencing obtains the value at the pointed address. For more, see Pointer (Programming).
Which built-in method removes the last element from a list in Python?
pop()
remove()
discard()
delete()
The pop() method removes and returns the last item of a list by default. remove() deletes a specified value, not the last index. discard() applies to sets, and delete() is not a built-in list method. See Python Lists for details.
Which of these is not a relational database?
MySQL
Oracle
MongoDB
PostgreSQL
MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data as JSON-like documents. Relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle organize data in tables with fixed schema and use SQL. MongoDB offers flexible schema capabilities. More at MongoDB NoSQL Explained.
What does SQL stand for?
Sequential Query Language
Structured Query Language
Standard Query Language
Simple Query Language
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is used to communicate with and manage relational databases. SQL lets you insert, query, update, and delete data. For syntax and examples, see SQL.
What is a deadlock?
When processes wait indefinitely for resources
When memory is corrupted
When an exception is not caught
When threads exceed CPU limits
A deadlock occurs when two or more processes wait indefinitely for resources held by each other. None can proceed since each awaits the other's release. Proper resource locking strategies can prevent deadlocks. See Deadlock for more.
Which design pattern restricts instantiation of a class to one object?
Factory
Adapter
Singleton
Observer
The Singleton pattern ensures only one instance of a class exists and provides a global access point. It's useful for shared resources like configuration or logging. Implementation varies by language. Details at Singleton Pattern.
What is the worst-case time complexity of quicksort?
O(n)
O(n log n)
O(log n)
O(n²)
Quicksort's worst-case occurs when pivot selection is poor (e.g., always smallest or largest). It degrades to O(n²) under these conditions. Randomized pivot selection or median-of-three can avoid worst-case. Learn more at Quicksort Worst-Case.
In Java, which keyword is used to inherit a class?
super
implements
extends
inherits
Java uses the extends keyword to inherit from a superclass. This enables code reuse and polymorphism. The implements keyword is for interfaces. For more, see Java Inheritance.
What is dynamic polymorphism?
Runtime method resolution
Using dynamic arrays
Early binding
Compile-time method binding
Dynamic polymorphism, or late binding, resolves method calls at runtime based on object type. It allows overridden methods in subclasses to be invoked via superclass references. This is fundamental to OOP. Read more at Runtime Polymorphism.
Which collection is thread-safe in Java?
LinkedList
ArrayList
HashMap
Vector
Vector is a legacy synchronized collection in Java, making its methods thread-safe. Most other collections like ArrayList are not synchronized by default. Concurrent collections (e.g., ConcurrentHashMap) are preferred today. For details see Java Vector.
Explain the principle of encapsulation.
Allowing direct access to object fields
Bundling data and methods and hiding internal state
Separating interface from implementation
Using global variables for data sharing
Encapsulation combines data and the methods that operate on that data within a single unit or class. It hides internal representation by restricting direct access to some components. This protects integrity and enforces abstraction. More at Encapsulation.
What is a memory leak?
Overflowing a buffer
Corrupted stack frame
When program uses too much CPU
Unreleased memory no longer used by program
A memory leak occurs when allocated memory isn't freed after use, reducing available memory. Over time, this can degrade performance or cause crashes. Languages with manual memory management (like C) are prone to leaks. For more info, see Memory Leak.
Which algorithm solves the shortest path problem?
Quick Sort Algorithm
Prim's Algorithm
Kruskal's Algorithm
Bellman-Ford Algorithm
The Bellman-Ford algorithm computes shortest paths from a single source in graphs, even with negative weights. Dijkstra's algorithm also solves shortest path but doesn't handle negative edges. Bellman-Ford has O(VE) complexity. See Bellman-Ford.
What is tail recursion?
A function whose last action is calling itself
Recursion without a base case
Mutual recursion between two functions
Recursion that returns a pointer
Tail recursion occurs when the recursive call is the final operation in a function. Some compilers optimize tail calls to loops to prevent stack growth. This makes it as efficient as iteration. Read more at Tail Call.
What is the Y combinator in functional programming?
A fixed-point combinator enabling anonymous recursion
A runtime library for JavaScript
A memory management technique
A type of data structure
The Y combinator is a higher-order function that allows definition of recursive functions without explicit self-reference. It's a fixed-point combinator in lambda calculus. It's mainly of theoretical interest in FP. See Fixed-point Combinator.
How does garbage collection handle cyclic references?
Reference counting always collects cycles
Tracing collectors detect and collect cycles
Cycles are never collected
Programmers must manually break cycles
Tracing garbage collectors like mark-and-sweep can identify objects reachable from roots, collecting cycles automatically. Reference counting alone cannot collect cyclic data. Some languages combine both methods. More at Garbage Collection.
What is the purpose of the volatile keyword in Java?
Mark variable for garbage collection
Ensure visibility of changes across threads
Optimize variable for faster access
Make variable immutable
In Java, volatile ensures that reads and writes to a variable go directly to main memory, guaranteeing visibility across threads. It prevents instruction reordering around the volatile variable. It does not provide atomicity beyond single reads/writes. See Java Volatile.
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AI Study Notes
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Study Outcomes
Assess Language Syntax Mastery -
Evaluate your grasp of syntax rules across popular programming languages through targeted MCQs.
Analyze Algorithmic Concepts -
Identify and apply core algorithmic principles to solve coding problems effectively.
Apply Problem-Solving Strategies -
Use structured techniques to approach and resolve programming challenges with confidence.
Interpret Quiz Feedback -
Leverage instant scoring and explanations to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement.
Benchmark Coding Proficiency -
Compare your programming IQ and performance against fellow coders to set learning goals.
Engage with Programming Trivia -
Reinforce fundamental concepts through entertaining coding trivia questions that boost retention.
Cheat Sheet
Core Syntax and Control Structures -
Review the foundational syntax of your target language - variables, data types, loops, and conditionals - as outlined in MIT OpenCourseWare. Use the "DRY" (Don't Repeat Yourself) mnemonic to avoid redundancy and write clean code. For example, a simple for loop in Java: for(int i = 0; i < 5; i++) { System.out.println(i); } helps cement loop logic.
Algorithm Complexity and Big-O Notation -
Understand Big-O Notation to gauge how algorithms scale, from constant O(1) and logarithmic O(log n) to linear O(n) and quadratic O(n²), as taught in Stanford's CS courses. Remember the "No Logs? Linear Next" trick to recall O(n log n) for efficient divide-and-conquer sorts like merge sort. Practicing these classifications boosts your score on a computer programming quiz and real-world performance analysis.
Recursion vs. Iteration -
Master the difference between recursion and iteration by studying the factorial example: n! = n × (n − 1)! with base case 0! = 1 (UC Berkeley CS material). Visualize each recursive call stacking on top of the previous one to prevent infinite loops and stack overflows. Use "Base Before Branch" as a mnemonic to check your base cases first.
Essential Data Structures -
Familiarize yourself with arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and hash maps, referencing the ACM Digital Library for performance details. Note that array access is O(1), but searching a linked list is O(n); stack push/pop operations are also O(1), while hash map lookups average O(1) too. Practice implementing each in code - especially in a coding quiz online - to see these complexities in action.
Design Principles and Best Practices -
Apply software design principles such as DRY, KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), and SOLID - Single Responsibility, Open-closed, Liskov Substitution, Interface Segregation, Dependency Inversion - to write maintainable code (IEEE Computer Society). A handy mnemonic for SOLID is "Silly Owls Love Intelligent Ducks." Incorporating these patterns ensures cleaner code during coding MCQ challenges and large-scale projects.
