Mixed Deck — All B CompE Bachelor of Computer Engineering Topics Flashcards

What does a general definition of OOP not include as an attribute?

Answer: Duplicate/Redundant data

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) aims to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity through concepts like encapsulation and data hiding. Attributes like code reusability (via inheritance), efficient code, and modularity are core benefits and characteristics of OOP. Duplicate/redundant data is generally a problem that OOP seeks to mitigate, not an inherent attribute.

What SQL clause is used to filter results after aggregation?

Answer: HAVING

The HAVING clause filters grouped results from aggregate functions, whereas WHERE filters individual rows before grouping.

What is the purpose of a multiplexer (MUX) in digital circuits?

Answer: Select one of many input signals and forward it to a single output

A multiplexer selects one of several input lines based on select signals and routes it to a single output line.

In the difference equation y[n] = b₀x[n] + b₁x[n−1] − a₁y[n−1], the term −a₁y[n−1] represents:

Answer: A feedback path using a previous output sample

The term −a₁y[n−1] feeds back a previous output value into the computation, which is the defining characteristic of an IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) recursive filter.

In order to decrease the Costs, both the CISC and RISC architectures have been developed.

Answer: Semantic gap

Both CISC and RISC architectures were developed, in part, to address the 'semantic gap.' This gap refers to the difference between the high-level operations expressed in programming languages and the low-level operations directly executable by hardware. CISC aimed to bridge this by providing complex instructions, while RISC focused on optimizing simpler instructions for better compiler efficiency.

Which sorting algorithm has the best worst-case time complexity?

Answer: Merge Sort

Merge Sort guarantees O(n log n) in the worst case by always dividing the array in half and merging sorted halves, unlike Quick Sort which degrades to O(n²).

Which of the following architectural designs is appropriate for a variety of data types?

Answer: IA-32

IA-32 (Intel Architecture, 32-bit) is a widely adopted instruction set architecture (ISA) known for its versatility. Its extensive instruction set and general-purpose registers are designed to efficiently handle a broad spectrum of data types, including integers, floating-point numbers, and various data structures. This makes it suitable for diverse applications requiring manipulation of different data formats.

Which algorithm finds all-pairs shortest paths in a weighted graph in O(V³) time?

Answer: Floyd-Warshall Algorithm

The Floyd-Warshall algorithm uses dynamic programming with three nested loops over V vertices to compute shortest paths between every pair of vertices in O(V³) time.

Which cache write policy writes data to both the cache and main memory simultaneously?

Answer: Write-through

Write-through updates main memory immediately on every cache write, keeping memory consistent at the cost of higher bus traffic.

What is the primary purpose of a Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB)?

Answer: Cache recent virtual-to-physical address translations

A TLB caches page table entries so the CPU can translate virtual addresses without accessing main memory on every reference.

What is a Microprocessor?

Answer: A multipurpose PLD that accepts binary data as input

A microprocessor is fundamentally a programmable logic device (PLD) designed for general-purpose computation. It operates by executing instructions that manipulate data, and all data within a digital computer system, including inputs, instructions, and results, is represented and processed in binary form.

Why is computer architecture important?

Answer: set of principles and methods that specify the functioning, organisation, and implementation of computer systems

Computer architecture is a fundamental concept that defines the operational structure of a computer system. It encompasses the set of principles and methods that specify how a computer system functions, its organizational structure, and how it is implemented. This includes aspects like the instruction set, memory organization, and input/output mechanisms, all crucial for the system's overall performance and functionality.

Which type of counter counts in a sequence where only one bit changes between consecutive states?

Answer: Gray code counter

A Gray code counter changes only one bit per step, reducing switching noise and glitches compared to a standard binary counter.

Which algorithm is used to find the Minimum Spanning Tree of a graph using a priority queue?

Answer: Prim's Algorithm

Prim's algorithm builds a Minimum Spanning Tree by greedily adding the minimum-weight edge connecting the current tree to an unvisited vertex, using a priority queue.

What is the output of: `printf("%d", sizeof('A'));` in a typical 32-bit C implementation?

Answer: 4

In C, character literals have type `int`, so `sizeof('A')` equals `sizeof(int)`, which is 4 on most 32-bit platforms.

The many ways of creating control signals are: .

Answer: Both Micro-programmed and Hardwired

Control signals in a CPU, which dictate the sequence of operations, can be generated using two primary methods. Hardwired control uses combinational and sequential logic circuits for fast execution. Micro-programmed control, on the other hand, uses a control memory to store microinstructions, offering more flexibility and easier modification.

Which of the following statements is untrue?

Answer: kernel is made of various modules which can not be loaded in running operating system

Modern operating system kernels, especially monolithic kernels with modules or hybrid kernels, are designed to be modular. This means that various kernel components, such as device drivers or file systems, can be loaded into and unloaded from the kernel while the system is running. This dynamic loading capability enhances flexibility, reduces memory footprint, and allows for easier updates and extensions without requiring a full system reboot.

In object-oriented programming, what exactly is an abstraction?

Answer: Hiding the implementation and showing only the features

Abstraction in OOP focuses on showing only essential information to the user and hiding the complex implementation details. It allows you to define the 'what' an object does without revealing the 'how' it does it. This simplifies the system's view, making it easier to manage and understand, and allows for changes in implementation without affecting the external interface.

What is the purpose of a hash function in a hash table?

Answer: Map keys to array indices for O(1) average-case lookup

A hash function maps a key to an index in an array, enabling average O(1) insert, delete, and lookup operations in a hash table.

Which bus cycle type does a microprocessor initiate when it needs to read an instruction from memory?

Answer: Instruction fetch cycle

An instruction fetch cycle is a specific bus transaction where the processor reads the next instruction from the memory address indicated by the program counter.