Basic Programming MCQ for Beginners with Answers 2025

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Basic Programming MCQ for Beginners with Answers

Quick Quiz

What is the key benefit of using dynamic programming in designing algorithms?

a. It is simple to implement.

b. It is guaranteed to be the fastest method.

c. It handles repeated subproblems efficiently by saving and reusing computed results.

d. It uses the least amount of memory.

Option c – It handles repeated subproblems efficiently by saving and reusing computed results

Which of the following is NOT typically used as a data structure in algorithm development?

a. Arrays

b. Stacks

c. Algorithms

d. Linked lists

Option c – Algorithms

What is the purpose of Big O notation in evaluating algorithms?

a. To measure how fast an algorithm runs

b. To denote extremely large values

c. To build recursive functions

d. To define the sequence of function inputs

Option a – To measure how fast an algorithm runs

In terms of algorithm complexity, what does O(n) indicate?

a. The algorithm runs in constant time

b. The algorithm runs in logarithmic time

c. The algorithm runs in linear time

d. The algorithm runs in exponential time

Option c – The algorithm runs in linear time

What does the term space-time trade-off refer to in algorithm design?

a. Balancing increased memory use to reduce computation time

b. Improving both memory and speed at once

c. Reducing both time and memory usage

d. Optimizing for parallel processing

Option a – Balancing increased memory use to reduce computation time

Which searching technique is best suited for sorted lists?

a. Linear search

b. Binary search

c. Depth-first search

d. Breadth-first search

Option b – Binary search

What is the main idea behind the greedy method in algorithms?

a. It explores every possible solution

b. It picks the best immediate choice at each step

c. It solves by checking all combinations through backtracking

d. It relies on solving subproblems like in dynamic programming

Option b – It picks the best immediate choice at each step

Which method focuses on exploring every possible solution to find the best one?

a. Divide and conquer

b. Greedy strategy

c. Dynamic programming

d. Backtracking

Option d – Backtracking

What does the term “heuristic” refer to in computing?

a. A specific data format

b. A type of search process

c. A strategy using approximate rules for decision-making

d. A procedure for arranging data

Option c – A strategy using approximate rules for decision-making

Which of the following is NOT a standard sorting technique?

a. Quick sort

b. Bubble sort

c. Hash sort

d. Merge sort

Option c – Hash sort

What is the main goal of using optimization algorithms?

a. To determine the worst possible outcome

b. To create the most complex answer

c. To achieve the best possible result for a given objective

d. To analyze the average performance

Option c – To achieve the best possible result for a given objective

What is the main function of flowcharts in problem-solving and documenting procedures?

a. To develop software code

b. To represent and evaluate detailed procedures or logic visually

c. To produce creative artwork

d. To carry out mathematical computations

Option b – To represent and evaluate detailed procedures or logic visually

Which statement correctly explains the typical direction of flow in a flowchart?

a. Flowcharts should always move from right to left.

b. Flow direction in a flowchart is entirely up to the creator.

c. Flowcharts are required to flow from left to right.

d. Flowcharts generally progress from top to bottom.

Option b – Flow direction in a flowchart is entirely up to the creator

In a flowchart, what is indicated by a terminator symbol such as a circle?

a. A decision needs to be made

b. Beginning of the process

c. Completion of the process

d. Entry or output of data

Option c – Completion of the process

Why are annotations or comments included in a flowchart?

a. To name various shapes in the diagram

b. To give extra explanations or details about the steps

c. To link different elements of the diagram

d. To mark where a process begins

Option b – To give extra explanations or details about the steps

Which shape in a flowchart is used to show where data is stored, such as files or databases?

a. Rectangle

b. Diamond

c. Oval

d. Parallelogram

Option c – Oval

What is the meaning of a rectangle with double lines in a flowchart?

a. A decision-making point

b. An input or output operation

c. A reusable function or procedure

d. The beginning of a process

Option c – A reusable function or procedure

Why is a legend included in a flowchart?

a. To identify the starting point of the process

b. To offer an overview of what the diagram covers

c. To clarify how the steps progress

d. To enhance the chart’s appearance

Option b – To offer an overview of what the diagram covers

Which of the following is not typically used as a shape in flowcharts?

a. Triangle

b. Rectangle

c. Diamond

d. Oval

Option a – Triangle

What kind of flowchart is typically used to outline how to solve a specific issue or complete a task?

a. System-level flowchart

b. Operational flowchart

c. Code or program flowchart

d. Decision-making flowchart

Option b – Operational flowchart

In a flowchart, what is the purpose of an arrowed line?

a. Signals the end of the process

b. Shows where a process begins

c. Demonstrates the direction of the sequence

d. Represents a point of decision

Option c – Demonstrates the direction of the sequence

What does SDLC mean in relation to software engineering?

a. System Design and Life Cycle

b. Software Development Life Cycle

c. Systems Development and Life Cycle

d. Systems Design and Lifecycle Control

Option b – Software Development Life Cycle

What is the main objective of the SDLC approach?

a. To finish software projects quickly

b. To guarantee error-free software

c. To apply a systematic process to software creation

d. To remove the requirement for written documentation

Option c – To apply a systematic process to software creation

What is the key objective of the scoping phase in the software development life cycle?

a. Designing the system’s architecture

b. Identifying and analyzing user needs

c. Writing and building the software

d. Preparing user manuals and guides

Option b – Identifying and analyzing user needs

What is the main goal of creating a prototype during software development?

a. Understanding and gathering user requirements

b. Laying out the system’s structure

c. Building a functional sample for user input

d. Conducting tests and validations

Option c – Building a functional sample for user input

Which software development model emphasizes quick iterations and continuous user involvement?

a. Waterfall

b. Agile

c. Spiral

d. V-Model

Option b – Agile

During the deployment stage of the SDLC, what is the core activity?

a. Collecting user needs

b. Drafting design documentation

c. Releasing the software for user access

d. Writing the software code

Option c – Releasing the software for user access

What is the main duty of a project manager in the software development process?

a. Developing the application

b. Gathering requirements from users

c. Managing and coordinating the entire development cycle

d. Executing test cases

Option c – Managing and coordinating the entire development cycle

Which software development model is often referred to as the Verification and Validation model?

a. Waterfall

b. Agile

c. Spiral

d. V-Model

Option d – V-Model

How would you best describe pseudocode?

a. A programming language used for coding

b. A rigid, structured coding language

c. A language close to machine instructions

d. A simplified way to describe code logic using everyday language

Option d – A simplified way to describe code logic using everyday language

What is the main function of using pseudocode in programming?

a. To write the final software code

b. To provide a logical sequence of steps for a program

c. To replace programming entirely

d. To design graphical user elements

Option b – To provide a logical sequence of steps for a program

Which of the following is correct about pseudocode?

a. It follows strict syntax like formal languages

b. It can be directly run by a computer

c. It is typically used for final deployment

d. It explains algorithms using clear and simple wording

Option d – It explains algorithms using clear and simple wording

What does the term “pseudo” in pseudocode imply?

a. It suggests imitation or not real

b. It represents a programming language

c. It conveys technical accuracy

d. It implies clarity and ease of understanding

Option a – It suggests imitation or not real

How is an assignment usually expressed in pseudocode?

a. By writing the assignment operator “=”

b. By using the equals sign “=”

c. By stating the “let” keyword

d. By placing the value in brackets

Option a – By writing the assignment operator “=”

Why is indentation important in pseudocode?

a. It adds complexity to the instructions

b. It creates aesthetic patterns in the text

c. It enhances clarity and marks logical blocks

d. It helps detect syntax errors

Option c – It enhances clarity and marks logical blocks

In many programming languages, which keyword is commonly used to initiate a loop?

a. start

b. loop

c. for

d. then

Option c – for

Why does case sensitivity matter in programming when using variable names and keywords?

a. It doesn’t affect the program in any way

b. Variables and keywords must be lowercase

c. Variables and keywords must be uppercase

d. The program treats uppercase and lowercase as different identifiers

Option d – The program treats uppercase and lowercase as different identifiers

What does the abbreviation “I/O” represent in programming?

a. Input/Output

b. Internal/Output

c. Input/Operations

d. Information/Output

Option a – Input/Output

Which of the following is considered an input device in I/O operations?

a. Monitor

b. Printer

c. Keyboard

d. Speaker

Option c – Keyboard

What is the main goal of input instructions in a computer program?

a. To show data to the user

b. To carry out mathematical operations

c. To receive data from external sources

d. To manage the flow of execution

Option c – To receive data from external sources

Which option is not typically used for input in programming?

a. Reading from a file

b. Keyboard input

c. Mouse input

d. Scanning a barcode

Option c – Mouse input

What does “stdout” usually refer to in a programming context?

a. The standard channel for showing text on the screen

b. The standard channel for getting keyboard input

c. A special hardware input tool

d. A type of keyboard layout

Option a – The standard channel for showing text on the screen

Which of these is not usually used for output in programming?

a. Writing to a file

b. Displaying text on the screen

c. Sending information over the internet

d. Typing from the keyboard

Option d – Typing from the keyboard

Why is output formatting important in a program?

a. To enhance code readability

b. To ensure all output fits on the screen

c. To control how output looks and is organized

d. To prevent users from seeing the output

Option c – To control how output looks and is organized

In many programming languages, which function is used to show output on the screen?

a. print()

b. input()

c. read()

d. write()

Option a – print()

What does a newline character do in programming?

a. Marks the end of a document

b. Moves the cursor to the start of the current line

c. Ends the current line and starts a new one

d. Represents a symbol that can’t be shown

Option c – Ends the current line and starts a new one

Which of the following devices is used for output in I/O processes?

a. Mouse

b. Keyboard

c. Monitor

d. Hard drive

Option c – Monitor

What symbol is typically used to represent a logical OR operation in coding?

a. &

b. |

c. ||

d. &&

Option b – |

Calculate the outcome of this expression: (4 + 5) × 32

a. 27

b. 14

c. 27.0

d. 0

Option a – 27

Which one of these is not typically used for arithmetic calculations in programming?

a. Integer

b. Float

c. String

d. Double

Option c – String

Identify the language that doesn’t follow Object-Oriented Programming principles.

a. Python

b. Java

c. C++

d. C

Option d – C

Which among the following is a sorting method?

a. Binary search

b. Quick sort

c. Depth-first search

d. Breadth-first search

Option b – Quick sort

What keyword is most commonly used to declare a function in programming languages?

a. def

b. fun

c. sub

d. function

Option a – def

Choose the option that is not a comparison operator in most languages.

a. ==

b. !=

c. >

d. ++

Option d – ++

Which of these is considered a web framework?

a. Django

b. React

c. Angular

d. All of these

Option d – All of these

Which option below does not represent a data structure?

a. Stack

b. Queue

c. Function

d. Linked list

Option c – Function

Which tool is widely used for writing and running Python code?

a. Visual Studio Code

b. PyCharm

c. Eclipse

d. Sublime Text

Option b – PyCharm

Pick the option that is a popular Object-Oriented Programming language.

a. C

b. Python

c. Perl

d. Shell

Option b – Python

Select the web framework used with PHP.

a. Laravel

b. Flask

c. Ruby on Rails

d. Express.js

Option a – Laravel

Choose the JavaScript framework from the options below.