Lecture Notes: PCPF Recap

Overview of Lecture

• Recap of entire PCPF
• Discussion on important topics, chapters to read, and potential exam questions

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Chapter Breakdown

Prerequisite: Compilation Process

• Common Questions:
  • Steps in Compilation: Discuss the six basic steps:
    1. Lexical Analysis
    2. Tokenization
    3. Phases of Code Optimization
    4. Conversion to Machine Language
• Types of Compilers:
  • Single Pass Compiler:
    • Fast, less code optimization
  • Multi Pass Compiler:
    • Slower, better code optimization
• Expected Marks: 10 marks for detailed discussion

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Programming Paradigms

• Common Questions:
  • Types of Programming Paradigms:
    1. Imperative Coding:
       • Procedure-Oriented
       • Object-Oriented
       • Synchronized Programming
    2. Declarative Coding:
       • Database
       • Logical Programming (e.g., Prolog)
• Binding:
  • Binding occurs at various stages in programming languages (7 types)
• Scoping and Precedence:
  • Rules for evaluating expressions based on precedence
• Storage Management:
  • Parameter Passing Types:
    • By Value
    • By Reference
• Exceptions Handling: Prepare how to handle exceptions

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Java-related Concepts

• Key Topics:
  • Encapsulation
  • Abstraction
  • Inheritance
  • Polymorphism
• Exam Expectations:
  • Explain concepts with code examples
  • Prepare for at least 20 marks worth of questions on these topics

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Chapter on Declarative Programming: Haskell

• Common Questions:
  • Short notes on Functional Programming
  • Haskell programming exercises (e.g., addition of two numbers)
  • Higher-order functions with examples
  • Evaluation in Functional Programming

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Chapter on Prolog

• Common Topics:
  • Knowledge Base: Definition and creation
  • Operators and their execution order
  • Resolution and Proof: Understand the process and its application
• Programming in Prolog:
  • Convert statements to facts and rules

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Chapter on Scripting

• Focus on HTML:
  • Client-side vs. Server-side Scripting
  • Basic HTML tags and scripting methods
  • Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) and Remote Method Invocation (RMI)

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Concurrency Paradigm

• Multi-threaded Programming:
  • Concepts of threads: creation and management
  • Operating systems handling critical regions
  • Short notes on multi-threading

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Preparing for Exams

• Challenges faced by students in understanding the syllabus
• Emphasis on preparing for potential questions across chapters
• Notable differences due to COVID-19 impact on exam patterns

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Final Thoughts

• Students are encouraged to prepare extensively across the discussed topics to ensure success in examinations.