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.
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.
What the Cambridge 0478 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Declare Declare and use variables and constants
- Understand Understand and use the basic data types including integer, real, char, string, Boolean
- Understand Understand and use input and output
- Understand Understand and use the concept of sequence
- Understand Understand and use the concept of selection including IF statements and CASE statements
- Understand Understand and use the concept of iteration including count-controlled loops, pre-condition loops, post-condition loops
- Understand Understand and use the concepts of totalling and counting
- Understand Understand and use the concept of string handling including length, substring, upper, lower
- Understand Understand and use arithmetic, logical and Boolean operators
- Understand Understand and use nested statements
- Understand Understand what is meant by procedures, functions and parameters
- Define Define and use procedures and functions, with or without parameters
- Understand Understand and use local and global variables
- Understand Understand and use library routines including MOD, DIV, ROUND, RANDOM
- Understand Understand how to create a maintainable program including meaningful identifiers, commenting, procedures and functions
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.
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 (
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.
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.
Describe what 'selection' means in programming, and give an example of a statement that implements it.
Selection is a programming construct that allows different code blocks to be executed depending on a condition.
Explain the concept of 'iteration' in programming, and name three types of loops that implement it.
Iteration refers to repeating a block of code multiple times. Common loop types are `FOR`, `WHILE`, and `REPEAT` loops. They help automate repetitive tasks.
Explain the difference between a `WHILE` loop and a `REPEAT` loop.
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.
What is an 'array' data structure, and why is it useful?
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.
Explain what a constant is in programming, and how does it differ from a variable?
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.
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.
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 (
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to study this Programming concepts deck
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