8.1

Programming concepts

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)  · Unit 8: Programming  · 10 flashcards

Programming concepts is topic 8.1 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus , positioned in Unit 8 — Programming , alongside Data structures and Procedures and functions.  In one line: A variable is a named storage location in a computer's memory used to hold data that can be changed during program execution.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (computer systems theory) and Paper 2 (algorithms, programming and logic).

The deck below contains 10 flashcards — 10 definitions — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the 10 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

The term 'variable' in programming and provide an example

A variable is a named storage location in a computer's memory used to hold data that can be changed during program execution.

Example: `age = 20` where `age` is the variable name.

What the Cambridge 0478 syllabus says

2026-2028 syllabus, in our words

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).

  1. Declare Declare variables and constants and use them in programs.
  2. Understand Understand the basic data types (Boolean, char, integer, real, string) and use them.
  3. Understand Understand how programs take input and give output, and use both.
  4. Understand Understand the idea of sequence and use it in programs.
  5. Understand Understand selection and use it in programs, with IF and CASE statements.
  6. Understand Understand iteration and use it, with count-controlled, pre-condition and post-condition loops.
  7. Understand Understand totalling and counting and use both in programs.
  8. Understand Understand string handling and use it: finding the length, taking a substring, and converting to upper or lower case.
  9. Understand Understand the three kinds of operator (arithmetic, relational and logical) and use them.
  10. Understand Understand nested statements and use them in programs.
  11. Understand Understand what procedures, functions and parameters are.
  12. Define Define procedures and functions, either with parameters or without, and use them.
  13. Understand Understand local and global variables and use each correctly.
  14. Understand Understand the library routines MOD, DIV, ROUND and RANDOM and use them.
  15. Understand Understand how to make a program easy to maintain, using meaningful identifiers, comments, and procedures and functions.
Definition Flip

Define the term 'variable' in programming and provide an example.

Answer Flip

A variable is a named storage location in a computer's memory used to hold data that can be changed during program execution.

Example: `age = 20` where `age` is the variable name.
Definition Flip

Explain the difference between an 'integer' and a 'real' data type, providing examples of each.

Answer Flip

An integer data type stores whole numbers without any fractional part (

Example: 5, -10). A real data type stores numbers with a fractional part (. 3.14, -2.5).
Definition Flip

What is a 'Boolean' data type, and what are its possible values?

Answer Flip

A Boolean data type represents a logical value that can be either true or false. It's often used to represent conditions in programming.

Definition Flip

Describe the purpose of the 'assignment' operator in programming. Provide an example.

Answer Flip

The assignment operator assigns a value to a variable.

Example: `name = 'Alice'` assigns the string 'Alice' to the variable `name`.
Definition Flip

Explain the term 'sequence' in programming, and why is it important?

Answer Flip

Sequence refers to the order in which instructions are executed in a program. It's crucial for determining the outcome of the program, ensuring instructions run in the intended order.

Definition Flip

Describe what 'selection' means in programming, and give an example of a statement that implements it.

Answer Flip

Selection is a programming construct that allows different code blocks to be executed depending on a condition.

Example: an `IF` statement like `IF age >= 18 THEN print('Adult') ELSE print('Minor')`.
Definition Flip

Explain the concept of 'iteration' in programming, and name three types of loops that implement it.

Answer Flip

Iteration refers to repeating a block of code multiple times. Common loop types are `FOR`, `WHILE`, and `REPEAT` loops. They help automate repetitive tasks.

Definition Flip

Explain the difference between a `WHILE` loop and a `REPEAT` loop.

Answer Flip

A `WHILE` loop checks the condition at the beginning; if false, the loop doesn't execute. A `REPEAT` loop executes the code block at least once before checking the condition at the end.

Definition Flip

What is an 'array' data structure, and why is it useful?

Answer Flip

An array is a data structure that stores a collection of elements of the same data type under a single variable name. It's useful for organizing and accessing multiple related values efficiently.

Definition Flip

Explain what a constant is in programming, and how does it differ from a variable?

Answer Flip

A constant is a named storage location that holds a value that cannot be changed during program execution. Unlike a variable, its value remains fixed throughout the program's lifespan.

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes
7.3 Testing and validation 8.2 Data structures

Key Questions: Programming concepts

Define the term 'variable' in programming and provide an example.

A variable is a named storage location in a computer's memory used to hold data that can be changed during program execution.

Example: `age = 20` where `age` is the variable name.
Explain the difference between an 'integer' and a 'real' data type, providing examples of each.

An integer data type stores whole numbers without any fractional part (

Example: 5, -10). A real data type stores numbers with a fractional part (. 3.14, -2.5).
What is a 'Boolean' data type, and what are its possible values?

A Boolean data type represents a logical value that can be either true or false. It's often used to represent conditions in programming.

Describe the purpose of the 'assignment' operator in programming. Provide an example.

The assignment operator assigns a value to a variable.

Example: `name = 'Alice'` assigns the string 'Alice' to the variable `name`.
Explain the term 'sequence' in programming, and why is it important?

Sequence refers to the order in which instructions are executed in a program. It's crucial for determining the outcome of the program, ensuring instructions run in the intended order.

More topics in Unit 8 — Programming

Programming concepts sits alongside these Computer Science decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

8.2 Data structures

9 flashcards
8.3 Procedures and functions

10 flashcards

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0478 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

variable constant data type integer real Boolean string character array assignment input output sequence selection iteration loop IF WHILE FOR REPEAT

Key terms covered in this Programming concepts deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

The term 'variable' in programming and provide an example
Explain the difference between an 'integer' and a 'real' data type, providing examples of each
'Boolean' data type, and what are its possible values
Describe the purpose of the 'assignment' operator in programming. Provide an example
Explain the term 'sequence' in programming, and why is it important
Describe what 'selection' means in programming, and give an example of a statement that implements it
Explain the concept of 'iteration' in programming, and name three types of loops that implement it
Explain the difference between a `WHILE` loop and a `REPEAT` loop
'array' data structure, and why is it useful
Explain what a constant is in programming, and how does it differ from a variable

How to study this Programming concepts deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.