Data types

Term

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Definition

The kind of value a variable holds: character, string, Boolean, integer, real (single-precision floating point) and date/time. The type decides how much memory it uses and what operations are allowed.

Example: Age = integer; price = real; isMember = Boolean; name = string.

Found in: syllabus, course specifications, school notes, past SDD papers.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.

Question types it can appear in

Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Pick the data type for a field in a data dictionary or ERD
Python: Write or complete it in the online Python tool.
SQL: Write or read it in the SQL query tool.

Where it has appeared in the paper

The Software Engineering Project (Part B). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

“The kind of value a variable holds: character, string, Boolean, integer, real (single-precision floating point) and date/time.” Then apply it: Age = integer; price = real; isMember = Boolean; name = string.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Official worked answer

Sample exam Q9 (2 marks): Algorithm design (guessing game) (2 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

2: Correctly orders the steps. 1: Correctly orders the WHILE and ENDWHILE steps.

Sample answer

Set number = random integer between 0 and 100 WHILE guess <> number Display "Guess a number between 0 and 100:" Get guess ENDWHILE Display "Well Done"

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Data types in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
Memorise: Data structures
Master answer: sdd2022-q29 (3 marks, short answer / extended) (Master model answers: The Software Engineering Project (written answers))
Notes: Define and analyse the requirements of a problem, including demonstrating need(s) or… (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
Notes: Design, develop and implement code using defensive data input handling practices,… (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
Notes: Define and analyse the requirements of a problem (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Data types

Check yourself

Explain “Data types” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

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