WGU University WGU-SPF Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

WGU University WGU-SPF Online Questions & Answers

• Question 101:

  An algorithm to calculate the positive difference in two given values, x and y, uses the steps shown.

  

  What are the two steps of the algorithm that need to be switched to result in success?

  A. 1 and 2
  B. 2 and 4
  C. 1 and 4
  D. 3 and 4
  C. 1 and 4

  ---

  The algorithm's success depends on the correct sequence of steps. The steps should first declare the variable Diff before attempting to use it in calculations. If the declaration of Diff (step 4) is not done prior to its use (step 1), the algorithm will attempt to use an undeclared variable, which will result in an error. Therefore, switching steps 1 and 4 ensures that Diff is declared before any operations are performed on it. References: The importance of the correct sequence of steps in algorithm design is a fundamental concept in programming and can be found in introductory texts on algorithms and programming languages. It is also a standard practice in software development to declare variables before their use to avoid runtime errors.

• Question 102:

  What is the loop variable update statement in the following code?

  

  A. Put j to output
  B. Integer j = -1
  C. J < 24
  D. J = j + 3
  D. J = j + 3

  ---

  The loop variable update statement is responsible for changing the loop variable's value after each iteration of the loop, ensuring that the loop progresses and eventually terminates. In the options provided, J = j + 3 is the statement that updates the loop variable j by adding 3 to its current value. This is a typical update statement found in loops, particularly in `for' or `while' loops, where the loop variable needs to be changed systematically to avoid infinite loops. References: This understanding of loop variable update statements is based on fundamental programming concepts that are taught in introductory programming courses and documented in programming language specifications. These principles are applied consistently across various programming languages.

• Question 103:

  Which two situations would be helped by using a programming library?

  A. A programmer needs to write several interacting objects for a student gradebook application, some of which need an inheritance structure.
  B. A programming student is writing code to iterate through the integers in a list and determine the maximum.
  C. A video game programmer needs to perform several animation tasks, all of which are very common in the industry. The programmer does not want to have to code each task. And they are unsure if they a even know how lo code a few of them.
  D. A programmer needs to perform a series of file compression tasks. These tasks are commonly performed by programmers, and the programmer does not want to have to code them all by hand
  E. A programmer is developing a database application that can house various types of data. The software cannot know ahead of time the data type, and so the programmer needs variables that do not require an initial declaration type.
  F. A programmer is writing a piece of mathematical code that requires the heavy use of recursive functions.
  C. A video game programmer needs to perform several animation tasks, all of which are very common in the industry. The programmer does not want to have to code each task. And they are unsure if they a even know how lo code a few of them.
  D. A programmer needs to perform a series of file compression tasks. These tasks are commonly performed by programmers, and the programmer does not want to have to code them all by hand

  ---

  Programming libraries are collections of pre-written code that programmers can use to perform common tasks without having to write the code from scratch. They are particularly helpful in situations where:

  The tasks are common and standardized across the industry, such as animation tasks in video games (Option C). Using a library can save time and resources, and also ensure that the animations are up to industry standards. The tasks are well-known and frequently performed by many programmers, such as file compression (Option D). Libraries provide a reliable and tested set of functions that can handle these tasks efficiently.

  For the other options:

  A: While a library could be used, writing interacting objects and implementing inheritance is a fundamental part of object-oriented programming and may not necessarily require a library.

  B: Iterating through a list to find the maximum value is a basic programming task that typically doesn't require a library.

  E: Dynamic typing or the use of variables without an initial declaration type is a feature of the programming language itself rather than a library.

  F: Recursive functions are a programming concept that can be implemented without the need for a library, unless the recursion is part of a specific algorithm that a library might provide.

  References:

  Programming libraries documentation and standards. Industry best practices for video game development and file compression techniques.

• Question 104:

  Which statement BEST describes a procedural programming language?

  A. Programs are built entirely from objects that contain data and methods
  B. Programs are structured around functions or procedures
  C. Programs describe document formatting only
  D. Programs execute without defined control flow
  B. Programs are structured around functions or procedures

  ---

  Procedural programming languages organize code into procedures or functions that perform specific tasks. Execution follows a defined sequence of steps, making this paradigm well suited for structured problem solving.

• Question 105:

  Which two statement describe advantages to using programming libraries? Choose 2 answers

  A. Using libraries turns procedural code into object-oriented code.
  B. Using a library prevents a programmer from having to code common tasks by hand
  C. A program that uses libraries is more portable than one that does not
  D. Libraries always make code run faster.
  E. The programmer can improve productivity by using libraries.
  F. Using a library minimizes copyright issues in coding.
  B. Using a library prevents a programmer from having to code common tasks by hand
  E. The programmer can improve productivity by using libraries.

  ---

  Programming libraries offer a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks, which saves time and effort. This is because:

  B. Libraries provide pre-coded functions and procedures, which means programmers don't need to write code from scratch for tasks that are common across many programs. This reuse of code enhances efficiency and reduces the potential for errors in coding those tasks.

  E. By using libraries, programmers can significantly improve their productivity. Since they are not spending time writing and testing code for tasks that the library already provides, they can focus on the unique aspects of their own projects.

  References:

  The benefits of using programming libraries are well-documented in software development literature. For instance, "Code Complete" by Steve McConnell discusses how libraries can improve programmer productivity. Additionally, "The Pragmatic Programmer" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas emphasizes the importance of reusing code to increase efficiency and reduce errors.

• Question 106:

  A software developer determines the mathematical operations that a calculator program should support When two waterfall approach phases are involved?

  A. Design and Testing
  B. Implementation and testing
  C. Design and implementation
  D. Analysis and design
  D. Analysis and design

  ---

  Here's the typical flow of the Waterfall software development model:

  Analysis: This phase focuses on defining the problem and gathering detailed requirements for the software. Understanding the specific mathematical operations to support is a key part of this phase.

  Design: Designers turn the requirements from the analysis phase into a concrete blueprint for the software. This includes architectural and detailed design decisions covering how those mathematical operations will be implemented. Implementation: Developers take the design and translate it into working code, writing the modules and functions to perform the calculations. Testing: Testers verify the software to ensure it meets the requirements, including testing how the implemented calculator functions handle

  different operations. Maintenance: Ongoing support after deployment to address bugs and introduce potential changes or enhancements.

  Why the other options are less accurate:

  A. Design and Testing: While testing validates the calculator's functions, the determination of the required operations happens earlier in the process. B. Implementation and Testing: Implementation builds the calculator, but the specifications and choice of operations happen before coding starts. C. Design and Implementation: Though closely linked, the design phase finalizes the operation choices before implementation begins.

• Question 107:

  A software engineer has written a program that uses a large number of interacting custom data types information hiding, data abstraction encapsulation polymorphism, and inheritance Variables do not need to receive their types ahead of time, and this program can run on a variety of operating systems without having to re-compile the program into machine code.

  Which type of language is being used? Choose 3 terms that accurately describe the language.

  A. Markup
  B. Interpreted
  C. Object-oriented
  D. Procedural
  E. Dynamic
  F. Static
  B. Interpreted
  C. Object-oriented
  E. Dynamic

  ---

  The language described in the question exhibits characteristics of an interpreted, object-oriented, and dynamic language. Here's why these terms apply:

  Interpreted: The program can run on various operating systems without re- compilation, which is a trait of interpreted languages. Interpreted languages are executed line by line by an interpreter at runtime, rather than being compiled into machine code beforehand.

  Object-oriented: The use of concepts like information hiding, data abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance are hallmarks of object-oriented programming (OOP). OOP languages are designed around objects and classes, which allow for modular, reusable, and organized code. Dynamic: Variables in the program do not need to have their types declared ahead of time, indicating dynamic typing. In dynamically typed languages, type checking is performed at runtime, and variables can be

  assigned to different types of data over their lifetime7891011.

  References:

  Interpreted languages.

  Object-oriented programming characteristics.

  Dynamic typing in programming7891011.

• Question 108:

  Which three statements describe a characteristic of a programming library?

  A. A library typically must be included before any function in the library is used
  B. A single library normally includes more than one function.
  C. Using libraries will always make a program run less efficiently.
  D. Libraries improve a programmer's productivity.
  E. A single program can only include one library.
  F. One library will contain one function but can have several variables.
  A. A library typically must be included before any function in the library is used
  B. A single library normally includes more than one function.
  D. Libraries improve a programmer's productivity.

  ---

  A programming library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to optimize tasks and improve productivity. Here's why the selected statements are correct:

  A: Libraries must be included or imported into your program before you can use the functions or objects they contain. This is because the program needs to know where to find the code it's executing.

  B: A library typically includes multiple functions, objects, or classes that are related to a specific task or area of functionality. This allows developers to reuse code efficiently.

  D: By providing pre-written code, libraries save developers time and effort, which in turn improves their productivity. Instead of writing code from scratch, developers can focus on the unique aspects of their project.

  The other options are incorrect because:

  C: While it's true that poorly designed libraries can affect performance, well- designed libraries can actually make programs more efficient by providing optimized code.

  E: A single program can include multiple libraries as needed. There's no limit to the number of libraries a program can use.

  F: Libraries often contain multiple functions and variables, not just one function.

  References:

  CareerFoundry's guide on what a programming library is1. Codingem's complete guide on libraries in programming.

• Question 109:

  Which term refers to a function that represents the number of fixed-size memory units used for an input of a given size?

  A. Space complexity
  B. Linear search
  C. Computational complexity
  D. Runtime
  A. Space complexity

  ---

  Space complexity refers to the amount of memory space required by an algorithm in relation to the size of the input data. It is a function, often denoted as S(N), that represents the number of fixed-size memory units used by the algorithm for an input of size N. For example, if an algorithm needs to create a new array that is the same size as the input array, its space complexity would be linear, or O(N), where N is the size of the input array. This term is crucial in evaluating the efficiency of an algorithm,

  especially when working with large data sets or in systems with limited memory resources.

  References: The definition and explanation of space complexity can be found in various educational resources and literature on data structures and algorithms, such as computer science textbooks and online educational platforms.

• Question 110:

  Which characteristic is COMMON to all compiled languages?

  A. They run one line at a time using an interpreter
  B. They do not require machine code
  C. They must be translated into an executable form before running
  D. They allow variables to change type at runtime
  C. They must be translated into an executable form before running

  ---

  Compiled languages require source code to be translated into machine code or an executable form before the program can run. This compilation step occurs prior to execution and differs from interpreted languages, which execute code line by line at runtime.