OCR A Level Computer Science H446 –
Iteration & Core Concepts Exam Notes (OCR, A
Level) – Complete Revision Definitions and
Exam Answers
Introduction:
This document contains concise exam-ready definitions and
answers covering iteration and a wide range of OCR A Level
Computer Science H446 topics, including programming
constructs, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture,
databases, networking, and software development
methodologies. It is well suited for revision and exam
preparation, providing clear explanations aligned with OCR
specification terminology and common exam questions.
Exam Questions and Answers:
Code Generation -Answer:-"The stage in complication that
produces a machine-code program that is equivalent to the
source program."
Optimisation -Answer:-"The stage of compilation that ensures
that the executable program if optimised at least as much as
,the compiler can predict. e.g. removing reference to unused
variables or routines."
Linker -Answer:-"Software tool that allows already compiled
object code files or modules to be combined with the compiled
program."
Loaders -Answer:-A program that copies an object program
held on backing store into main store ready for execution."
Libraries -Answer:-"A collection of pre-compiled routines
which can be incorporated into a program."
SDLC -Answer:-Systems Development Life Cycle
"The various stages in designing and implementing a new
computer system. These stages - typically analysis, design,
implementation, testing and installation - are part of the
systems life cycle performed by the main design team. Not be
to confused with the Software Development Cycle which is
part of the implementation stage of the systems life cycle."
Waterfall Model -Answer:-"An earlier abstract description of
the system lifecycle where each identified stage of
,development flows from the previous one and down to the next
one. Feedback from each to the previous takes place
independently of the forward flow."
Agile Methodologies -Answer:-"Describes the responsive
development of a system made of small software modules
(often web-based applications) by a group of collaborators
who work concurrently and closely under a leader who ensures
engineering best practice and delivery of the customer
requirements."
Extreme Programming -Answer:-"A software development
methodology which is intended to improve software quality
and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. It is a
form of agile development, and as such advocated frequent
releases in short development cycles, which is intended to
improve productivity and introduce checkpoints at which new
customer requirements can be adopted. Other common
elements of XP include: programming in pairs or doing
extensive code review, flat management structures and
avoiding programming of features until they are actually
needed."
Spiral Model -Answer:-"An abstract description of the systems
life cycle where there are four defined quadrants - planning,
, risk analysis, use of design methods, client and management
evaluation. Once one stage of development has gone full circle,
the next please takes place, and so on until completion."
RAD -Answer:-"A design strategy that includes online
development and repeated prototyping and repeated
prototyping and evaluation. It is particularly suited to
interactive systems."
Programming Paradigm -Answer:-"The word 'paradigm' means
to describe an example or pattern. In a Computing context, this
means to describe a computational way of doing things. So a
Programming Paradigm is a style or way of programming. E.g.
Low-Level languages, High-Level languages, Declarative
languages are all examples of different programming
paradigms."
Procedural Language -Answer:-"Any high level language in
which program statements can be grouped in self-contained
blocks called procedures and functions. These procedures have
their own variables, not accessible outside the procedure."
Assembly Language -Answer:-"A language which is related
very closely to the computer's own machine code. "
Iteration & Core Concepts Exam Notes (OCR, A
Level) – Complete Revision Definitions and
Exam Answers
Introduction:
This document contains concise exam-ready definitions and
answers covering iteration and a wide range of OCR A Level
Computer Science H446 topics, including programming
constructs, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture,
databases, networking, and software development
methodologies. It is well suited for revision and exam
preparation, providing clear explanations aligned with OCR
specification terminology and common exam questions.
Exam Questions and Answers:
Code Generation -Answer:-"The stage in complication that
produces a machine-code program that is equivalent to the
source program."
Optimisation -Answer:-"The stage of compilation that ensures
that the executable program if optimised at least as much as
,the compiler can predict. e.g. removing reference to unused
variables or routines."
Linker -Answer:-"Software tool that allows already compiled
object code files or modules to be combined with the compiled
program."
Loaders -Answer:-A program that copies an object program
held on backing store into main store ready for execution."
Libraries -Answer:-"A collection of pre-compiled routines
which can be incorporated into a program."
SDLC -Answer:-Systems Development Life Cycle
"The various stages in designing and implementing a new
computer system. These stages - typically analysis, design,
implementation, testing and installation - are part of the
systems life cycle performed by the main design team. Not be
to confused with the Software Development Cycle which is
part of the implementation stage of the systems life cycle."
Waterfall Model -Answer:-"An earlier abstract description of
the system lifecycle where each identified stage of
,development flows from the previous one and down to the next
one. Feedback from each to the previous takes place
independently of the forward flow."
Agile Methodologies -Answer:-"Describes the responsive
development of a system made of small software modules
(often web-based applications) by a group of collaborators
who work concurrently and closely under a leader who ensures
engineering best practice and delivery of the customer
requirements."
Extreme Programming -Answer:-"A software development
methodology which is intended to improve software quality
and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. It is a
form of agile development, and as such advocated frequent
releases in short development cycles, which is intended to
improve productivity and introduce checkpoints at which new
customer requirements can be adopted. Other common
elements of XP include: programming in pairs or doing
extensive code review, flat management structures and
avoiding programming of features until they are actually
needed."
Spiral Model -Answer:-"An abstract description of the systems
life cycle where there are four defined quadrants - planning,
, risk analysis, use of design methods, client and management
evaluation. Once one stage of development has gone full circle,
the next please takes place, and so on until completion."
RAD -Answer:-"A design strategy that includes online
development and repeated prototyping and repeated
prototyping and evaluation. It is particularly suited to
interactive systems."
Programming Paradigm -Answer:-"The word 'paradigm' means
to describe an example or pattern. In a Computing context, this
means to describe a computational way of doing things. So a
Programming Paradigm is a style or way of programming. E.g.
Low-Level languages, High-Level languages, Declarative
languages are all examples of different programming
paradigms."
Procedural Language -Answer:-"Any high level language in
which program statements can be grouped in self-contained
blocks called procedures and functions. These procedures have
their own variables, not accessible outside the procedure."
Assembly Language -Answer:-"A language which is related
very closely to the computer's own machine code. "
