Question

State whether each of the following is true or \(f\) alse. If false , explain why. a) An algorithm is a procedure for solving a problem in terms of the actions to execute and the order in which they execute. b) \(\mathrm{A}\) set of statements contained within a pair of parentheses is called a block. c) A selection statement specifies that an action is to be repeated while some condition remains true. d) A nested control statement appears in the body of another control statement. e) Java provides the arithmetic compound assignment operators \(+=,-=,^{2}=, \quad /=\) and \(\aleph=\) for abbreviating assignment cxpressions. The primitive types (boolean, char, byte, short, int, long, float and double) are portable across only Windows platforms. g) Specifying the order in which statements (actions) execute in a program is called program control. h) The unary cast operator (double) creates a temporary integer copy of its operand. i) Instance variables of type boolean are given the value true by default. j) Pseudocode helps a programmer think out a program before attempting to write it in a programming language.

Short answer

T, F, F, T, F, F, T, F, F, T.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Algorithm

An algorithm is indeed a well-defined procedure or set of steps for solving a problem, detailing the actions required and their correct sequence. So, statement (a) is true.

Checking Block Definition

A set of statements enclosed within a pair of curly braces `{}` is called a block in programming. Since the statement suggests parentheses `()`, it is false.

Selection Statement Purpose

A selection statement is used for decision-making, allowing execution of certain code based on conditions. It does not repeat actions; that's the role of loop statements. Thus, statement (c) is false.

Understanding Nested Control Statements

Nested control statements refer to using a control statement such as a loop or a conditional inside another control statement. This is correct, so statement (d) is true.

Validating Compound Assignment Operators

Java provides compound assignment operators like `+=`, `-=`, `*=`, and `/=`. However, `^=` and `ℵ=` are not standard operators. Thus, statement (e) is false.

Primitive Types Portability

Java's primitive types are designed to be portable across all platforms, not just Windows. Therefore, statement (f) is false.

Understanding Program Control

The order in which statements execute is known as control flow or program control. Statement (g) is true.

Unary Cast Operator Function

The unary cast operator `(double)` is used to convert its operand to a double type, not an integer. Hence, statement (h) is false.

Default Value of Boolean Variables

Boolean instance variables in Java default to `false`. Therefore, statement (i) is false.

Purpose of Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a tool to outline a program's logic before coding, reflecting the thought process in plain language. So, statement (j) is true.

Key concepts

Algorithms

Algorithms are essential to programming and computer science. They provide a step-by-step guide for solving specific problems efficiently. Think of an algorithm as a recipe in cooking: it details the actions required, as well as their sequence.
An effective algorithm should have the following characteristics:

• Clarity: Each step is clear and understandable.
• Finiteness: It completes in a finite amount of time.
• Effectiveness: Each action or step can be carried out practically.
• Definiteness: The process and each step are precisely defined.

In Java programming, algorithms work with data and control the flow of operations. Understanding algorithms is crucial for writing efficient and robust Java applications.

Control Statements

Control statements are the building blocks of decision-making in programming. They dictate which path a program should take under specific conditions.
Java uses several types of control statements:

• Selection statements: These include `if`, `if-else`, and `switch` statements, which allow the program to choose different paths based on particular conditions.
• Iteration statements: Also known as loops, like `for`, `while`, and `do-while`, they repeat a block of code as long as a condition remains true.
• Jump statements: These alter the flow of the program, and include `break`, `continue`, and `return`.

Nesting control statements, such as placing an `if` statement inside a `for` loop, allows for even more complex decision trees and operations.

Primitive Data Types

In Java, primitive data types are the most basic types of data. They are not objects and represent simple values. Java's primitive types include:

• boolean: Represents true or false.
• char: Represents a single Unicode character.
• byte: A small integer value, often used to save memory in large arrays.
• short: A small integer, larger than byte.
• int: The standard integer type.
• long: A large integer type, bigger than int.
• float: A single-precision floating-point.
• double: A double-precision floating-point.

Java aims for cross-platform portability, so these data types maintain their ranges and behaviors across different systems, not just Windows.

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a simplified form of writing algorithms that does not require specific syntax of any programming language. It is a plain language description of the steps in an algorithm.
Using pseudocode allows programmers to:

• Focus on the logic: It helps them think through the logic without getting bogged down by language syntax.
• Communicate ideas: It serves as a communication tool amongst team members or with non-programmers.
• Avoid errors: With a well-thought-out plan, developers can minimize logical errors in the actual coding phase.

Writing pseudocode is a key step before diving into writing actual code, ensuring a clear understanding of what the program needs to accomplish.