Paper Gem - Unit 2.5 IDE Tools

Question 1 [2 Marks]

Most IDEs include a code editor with features to help write code efficiently. Describe how the following two editor features assist the programmer:

(i) Syntax Highlighting

[2]

(ii) Auto-completion (Intelligent Code Completion)

[2]

✅ Mark Scheme

No mark scheme available.

Score:

Question 2 [1 Marks]

A student is writing a Python program. They type prin and the IDE suggests print().

Identify the specific Editor tool that provided this suggestion.

[1]

Part 1

✅ Mark Scheme

Auto-completion / IntelliSense / Code Completion.

Score:

Question 3 [1 Marks]

An IDE provides "Error Diagnostics".

(i) State one way an IDE alerts the user to a Syntax Error before the code is even run.

[1]

(ii) The following code contains a Logic Error (it runs but gives the wrong result):

# Calculate average of two numbers
num1 = 10
num2 = 20
average = num1 + num2 / 2  # Logic Error here
print(average)
                

Explain why the IDE's Error Diagnostics tool will not highlight line 3 as an error.

[2]

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

✅ Mark Scheme

No mark scheme available.

Score:

Question 4 [2 Marks]

A programmer is using a Stepping (or Step-Through) tool within the IDE to fix the code in Q3.

Describe how using Stepping helps the programmer find the logic error.

[2]

Part 1

Part 2

✅ Mark Scheme

It allows the programmer to run the code one line at a time (1) and see the current values of variables at each step to see where they change incorrectly (1).

Score:

Question 5 [3 Marks]

Fill in the blanks using the terms below. You may not use all terms.
(Source Code, Machine Code, Run-time Environment, Editor, Linker)

"A ....................................... is a piece of software that allows a program to be executed. It often provides access to built-in libraries and manages the computer's memory during execution. Before this can happen, a translator must convert the high-level ....................................... into ........................................"

[3]

✅ Mark Scheme

1. Run-time Environment
2. Source Code
3. Machine Code

Score:

Question 6 [3 Marks]

A student is creating a game. They want to distribute the game to friends who do not have Python or an IDE installed.

Explain why a Compiler is more suitable than an Interpreter for this specific purpose.

[3]

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

✅ Mark Scheme

1. A compiler produces an executable file (e.g. .exe) (1).
2. This file can run independently without the source code or an interpreter/IDE installed (1).
3. It protects the source code from being seen/edited by the friends (1).

Score:

Question 7 [4 Marks]

Evaluate the following claim: "I don't need an IDE. I can just write my code in a basic text file (like Notepad) and run it using the command line."

Give two advantages of using an IDE over a simple text editor.

[4]

1. .....................................................................................................

2. .....................................................................................................

Part 1

Part 2

✅ Mark Scheme

Any two from:
- Automatic Formatting: Indents code automatically (1).
- Integrated Debugging: Can pause/step through code/watch variables (1).
- Project Management: Manage multiple files/folders in one window (1).

Score:

Question 8 [2 Marks]

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a standard IDE?

[2]

A. Source Code Editor
B. Error Diagnostics
C. Run-time Environment
D. Network Packet Sniffer

Your Answer: [ ]

✅ Mark Scheme

D (Network Packet Sniffer).

Score: