WGU D278 – SCRIPTING AND PROGRAMMING FOUNDATIONS (2025/2026) | PRE- ASSESSMENT |70 QUESTIONS AND ANSWER

1. What is the role of flags in regular expressions? Specify the data types in regular expressions Modify the behavior of regular expressions Define the syntax of regular expressions Determine the execution speed of regular expressions 2. What is the primary function of a shell interpreter? To provide a graphical user interface for programming. To manage system resources and processes. To compile programming languages into machine code. To execute commands read from input or from a script file. 3. What are the three types of testing practices mentioned in the context of programming? Regression testing, load testing, and system testing Functional testing, performance testing, and code reviews Static testing, dynamic testing, and user acceptance testing Unit testing, integration testing, and debugging tools 4. Describe the significance of the word boundary anchor ( ) in the context of regular expressions. The word boundary anchor ( ) matches any character in a string, making it less specific. The word boundary anchor ( ) indicates the start of a new line in a string. The word boundary anchor ( ) is used to match only uppercase letters in a string. The word boundary anchor ( ) helps identify the transition between word characters and non-word characters, allowing for precise pattern matching. 5. Describe the role of backreferences in regular expressions and how they enhance pattern matching. Backreferences are irrelevant in pattern matching. Backreferences simplify regex by removing the need for groups. Backreferences are used to match only numeric values. Backreferences enhance pattern matching by allowing the regex to refer back to previously captured groups, enabling more complex and dynamic matching. 6. What is the definition of flow of execution in the context of scripting? The order in which individual statements, instructions, or function calls are executed in a script. The way in which variables are declared in a script. The process of compiling a script into machine code. The method of debugging a script to find errors. 7. What is the primary purpose of Windows PowerShell? Game development and graphics rendering Web development and design Task automation and configuration management Database management and queries 8. Describe the significance of redirection in scripting and how it enhances data handling. Redirection allows scripts to send and receive data from files, improving data handling and flexibility. Redirection is a method for optimizing script execution speed. Redirection helps in debugging scripts by displaying error messages. Redirection is used to compile scripts into executable files. 9. What do module objectives specify in an educational setting? The teaching methods employed during the module. The historical context of the subject matter. The assessment criteria for student performance. Specific learning outcomes and skills expected to be achieved. 10. Describe the role of scripts in software applications. Scripts are only used for debugging purposes. Scripts are primarily used for compiling code into machine language. Scripts are designed to replace the need for programming languages. Scripts are used to automate repetitive tasks and enhance the functionality of software applications. 11. Describe the significance of the start of string anchor (^) in the context of pattern matching in regular expressions. The start of string anchor (^) ensures that the pattern must match from the very beginning of the string, which is crucial for precise pattern matching. The start of string anchor (^) allows for matches anywhere in the string, making it flexible. The start of string anchor (^) indicates that the match can occur at the end of the string. The start of string anchor (^) is used to match whitespace characters. 12. What do CGI scripts primarily handle in web applications? User input from forms Database connections Server-side caching Static HTML content 13. Describe how HTML contributes to the overall structure of a web page. HTML is used for styling and enhancing the visual appeal of a web page. HTML allows for database connections and data retrieval. HTML provides the foundational structure by defining the layout and organization of content. HTML is primarily used for client-side scripting. 14. Describe the key characteristics that make Python a popular choice among programmers. Python is known for its readability, simplicity, and versatility, supporting multiple programming paradigms. Python is primarily used for system-level programming and is not versatile. Python is only suitable for web development and lacks support for other paradigms. Python is a low-level language that requires extensive coding for simple tasks. 15. Describe the concept of dynamic typing in Python and its significance for variables. Dynamic typing restricts variables to a single data type throughout the program. Dynamic typing is a method for optimizing memory usage in Python. Dynamic typing requires variables to be declared with a specific data type. Dynamic typing allows variables in Python to hold data of any type without explicit declaration. 16. What does redirection allow in a scripting context? Debugging script errors. Changing the default input or output of a command. Executing commands in parallel. Compiling source code. 17. Describe how loop structures contribute to programming efficiency. Loop structures are primarily for error handling. Loop structures are used to manage memory allocation. Loop structures are used to define the flow of a program. Loop structures allow for efficient execution of repetitive tasks by minimizing code duplication. 18. Describe how the or operator (|) can be utilized in a regular expression to enhance pattern matching. The or operator (|) restricts matches to only the first occurrence of a pattern. The or operator (|) can be used to specify multiple alternatives in a pattern, allowing for more flexible matching. The or operator (|) is used to escape special characters in a pattern. The or operator (|) is used to concatenate two patterns into one. 19. What is the definition of a class in object-oriented programming? A type of data structure used for storing variables. A blueprint for creating objects, defining properties and behaviors. A method for executing functions in a program. A specific instance of a programming structure. 20. What is the primary purpose of scripting in programming? To automate tasks or control other software applications. To create graphical user interfaces. To compile large applications for performance. To manage databases.