Question 1

Define a 1D array and provide an example of its use.

Accepted Answer

A 1D array is a linear data structure that stores a collection of elements of the same data type under a single variable name, accessed via an index. For example, `names = ['Alice', 'Bob', 'Charlie']` stores three names.

Question 2

Explain the difference between a 1D and a 2D array, providing a real-world example for each.

Accepted Answer

A 1D array is a single row of elements, like a list. A 2D array is a table of rows and columns, like a spreadsheet. Example 1D: days of the week. Example 2D: seating arrangement in a cinema.

Question 3

What is a 'record' in the context of data structures? Give an example.

Accepted Answer

A record is a collection of fields, possibly of different data types, treated as a single unit. Example: A student record might contain name (string), age (integer), and grade (character).

Question 4

Describe the purpose of a 'file' in computer science, and outline two common file types.

Accepted Answer

A file is a named location on storage that holds data or information. Two common file types are text files (e.g., `.txt`) and binary files (e.g., `.jpg`).

Question 5

Explain the difference between 'read', 'write', and 'append' operations when working with files.

Accepted Answer

'Read' retrieves data from a file. 'Write' overwrites existing data or creates a new file. 'Append' adds data to the end of an existing file.

Question 6

Explain the significance of the 'open' and 'close' operations when working with files.

Accepted Answer

'Open' prepares a file for reading or writing, establishing a connection between the program and the file. 'Close' terminates this connection, releasing resources and ensuring data is saved.

Question 7

Give an example scenario where using a 2D array would be more appropriate than using a 1D array. Explain why.

Accepted Answer

Storing the scores of students in multiple subjects. A 2D array allows easy access to a specific student's score in a specific subject using row (student) and column (subject) indices, which isn't directly possible in a 1D array.

Question 8

Describe how to access the element in the 2nd row and 3rd column of a 2D array named 'data' using typical array indexing.

Accepted Answer

Assuming the array is indexed starting from 0, the element in the 2nd row and 3rd column would be accessed as `data[1][2]`.

Question 9

Explain why efficient file handling (opening and closing files correctly) is crucial in programming.

Accepted Answer

Correct file handling prevents data loss, corruption, and resource leaks. Failing to close a file can leave it open and inaccessible to other programs and might cause the data being written to not be fully saved.

Data structures

Smart Spaced Repetition

Review the material

Test yourself

Key Questions: Data structures

About Data structures (8.2)

What You'll Learn

How to Study Effectively

Continue Learning