NSC Information Technology Algorithm design: 5.1 Differentiating between a sy

Question

5.1 Differentiating between a syntax error and a runtime error is crucial in programming:

A syntax error occurs when the rules of the programming language are violated. An example could be a missing semicolon or mismatched parentheses that prevent the program from compiling or running.

A runtime error occurs when the program is executed, and an issue arises during execution, such as dividing by zero or accessing an invalid array index.

5.1.2 To construct useful error messages, a programmer should consider the following guidelines:

1. Explain the error in understandable terms to the user. This can help users who may not have a technical background.
2. Provide an indication of whether the error is related to a problem with the software or hardware, which can assist in debugging the issue.

5.2 For binary search algorithms to function correctly, the prerequisite for an array is that it must be sorted. This allows the algorithm to efficiently narrow down the search range.

5.3.1 In the provided Delphi code segment, the variable 'S' was expected to have a final value of 15. However, the output showed the value of 'S' as 38319711. This unexpected result could occur if 'S' was not initialized before being used in the loop. Therefore, 'S' has an initial garbage value, leading to incorrect accumulation during the loop execution.

5.3.2 To enhance the readability of the novice programmer’s code, I suggest the following two improvements:

1. Indentation can significantly improve the structure of the code, making it easier for others (and the programmer) to understand the flow of control.
2. Adding comments in the code can help explain the purpose of variables and segments, leading to better readability and maintainability.

5.4 (Refer to the flowchart for these details.)

5.5 An alternative line of code in Delphi that would have the same effect as `i := i + 1;` is `Inc(i);`.

5.6.1 The plus (+) symbol in the class diagram represents public members, methods, or attributes, while the minus (-) symbol indicates private members, methods, or attributes.

5.6.2 Two errors in the class diagram are:
1. The 'setLocation()' method’s parameter does not specify a data type. It's essential to define the type to ensure data integrity.
2. The 'getCapacity()' method should return an integer data type; this should be clearly stated in the method signature.

5.6.3 An auxiliary method in the class diagram provided is 'toString()'.

5.1 Differentiating between a syntax error and a runtime error is crucial in programming: A syntax error occurs when the rules of the programming language are violated - NSC Information Technology - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2

Worked Solution & Example Answer:5.1 Differentiating between a syntax error and a runtime error is crucial in programming: A syntax error occurs when the rules of the programming language are violated - NSC Information Technology - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2

5.1.1 Differentiate between a syntax error and a runtime error.

5.1.2 Give TWO guidelines on how a programmer can construct useful error messages.

5.2 What is the prerequisite for an array to be searched when using the binary search algorithm?

5.3.1 Give a possible reason for this unexpected result.

5.3.2 Suggest TWO ways in which to improve the code of the novice programmer to be more readable.

5.5 Write an alternative line of Delphi code.

5.6.1 What do the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols represent?

5.6.2 Identify TWO errors in the class diagram.

5.6.3 Identify an auxiliary method in the class diagram provided.

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