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Comp 410: Evolution Of Programming Languages Question Paper

Comp 410: Evolution Of Programming Languages

Course:Bachelor Of Computer Science

Institution: Kabarak University question papers

Exam Year:2011

INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer question ONE and ANY TWO questions

Question One [30 mks]
a) (i) Describe the formal approaches used in describing syntax (2 mks)
(ii) Discuss the Primary influences on language design (3 mks)

b) Korir is a new software developer at Lengo technologies located in Kisumu. He
has been asked to plan for the solution to the program problems in detail and write
down the processing logic. He is wondering why she should do this. What can
you advice Mkala (3 mks)

c) What was wrong with using Pseudocodes 1949 as a programming language.
(1 mk)
d) Define the following terms:
i). Variable
ii) A lexeme
iii) Constant (3 mks)

e) Identify the features of reliability as a criterion for evaluating programming
languages. (4mks)
f) Using a suitable diagram describe an imperative language. (5mks)
g) What arguments can you make for the idea of a single language for all
programming domains State and explain the categories of programming
languages. (5mks)
h) Briefly describe the features of the following programming languages:
i. FORTRAN 1954 (2mks)
ii. C++ (2mks)
i) Define the term metalanguage (2 mks)
j) What dynamic and static binding? (2 mks)

Question Two [20mks]
a) In C++, what does it mean for a class B to be considered a subtype of a class A?
(2mks)
b) Define the term abstraction, as it is used in computer science (1 mk)
c) Mutash is a fourth year student at Princely University. He argues that the study of
programming languages is not important in her future career as software
application developer. What is your advice to Sadimu (7mks)
d) Explain Artificial intelligence in reference to programming domain (3 mks)
e) Differentiate between a constructor and destructor with aid of a syntax in each
case. (3 mks)
f) What is semantics? (1 mk)
g). what major features would a perfect programming language include, in your
opinion (3 mks)

Question Three [20mks]

a) Highlight the features of:
i. C# (2mks)
ii. LISP (2mks)
b) What are the primary differences between imperative and declarative language?
(5 mks)

c) Java has a single inheritance hierarchy for classes; C++ has multiple inheritance.
What is meant by single and multiple inheritance? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of the single inheritance approach as in Java (4 mks)
d) Define the term polymorphism In c++ and hence write a c++ program to illustrate
function overloading (6 mks)

e) What is a static chain? (1 mk)

Question Four [20mks]
a) What do you understand by abstract data type? (1mk)
b) Java and C++ are similar languages, yet they have a few significant differences.
Java uses garbage collection for its storage management; C++ does not. What is
meant by garbage collection? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using
garbage collection (5 mks)

c) Discuss the language design requirement for languages that supports abstract data
types (4mks)
d) You have been appointed as a new software developer at Kabarak University. The
university has proposed the use of C++ and java as the main programming
languages. Identify the features that you will use to evaluate these languages
depending on:
i. Readability (4 mks)
ii. Cost (4 mks)
iii. Writability (2 mks)

Comp 410: Evolution Of Programming Languages Question Paper

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