GCSE (9-1) Computer Science
Mark Scheme
J277/02: Unit 2.5 IDE Tools
Question Answer Marks Guidance
1(i) Displays different parts of the code (keywords, variables, strings) in different colours (1) to make the code easier to read / spot syntax errors (1). 2
Must mention colour or visual distinction. Just saying "highlights errors" is too vague (that's error diagnostics).
1(ii) Predicts the keyword or function the user is typing and offers to finish it (1). This speeds up coding and reduces spelling/syntax errors (1). 2
2 Auto-completion / IntelliSense / Code Completion. 1
Do not accept "Spell check".
3(i) Underlining the code (e.g., red squiggly line) / Highlighting the line number / Displaying a warning symbol. 1
3(ii) 1. The code follows the correct rules/grammar of the language (1).
2. The IDE cannot know the programmer's intent / logical purpose (1).
2
Ghost Topic: Students must understand IDEs check grammar, not the intended mathematical logic.
4 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). 2
"Stepping" distinguishes high-level students as it is a specific debugging tool.
5 1. Run-time Environment
2. Source Code
3. Machine Code
3
Order must be exactly as listed for full marks.
6 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).
3
Contrast: An interpreter requires translation software to be installed on the destination machine.
7 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).
4
2 marks per point (1 for identification, 1 for explanation of benefit). Do not accept "It's faster" without specific context.
8 D (Network Packet Sniffer). 2
Tests recall of the specific J277 specification list of IDE tools.