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EnglandComputer Science

Component 2: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is the functional programming paradigm, and how do pure functions, immutability and recursion differ from imperative programming?

The functional paradigm: functions as first-class values, pure functions and referential transparency, immutability and the avoidance of side effects, the use of recursion instead of iteration, and how functional differs from imperative programming.
An Eduqas Component 2 answer on the functional paradigm: functions as first-class values, pure functions and referential transparency, immutability and avoiding side effects, recursion in place of iteration, and how functional programming differs from the imperative approach.
13 min answer →

What are higher-order functions, and how do map, filter and fold process lists in functional programming?

Higher-order functions and list processing: passing and returning functions, the map, filter and fold (reduce) operations, function composition, and how lists are processed by the head and tail.
An Eduqas Component 2 answer on higher-order functions: passing and returning functions, the map, filter and fold (reduce) operations, function composition, and processing lists by their head and tail.
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How does the operating system manage memory, and what are paging, segmentation and virtual memory?

Memory management: how the operating system allocates and protects memory between processes, paging and segmentation, and virtual memory using secondary storage to extend the apparent size of main memory.
An Eduqas Component 2 answer on memory management: how the operating system allocates and protects memory between processes, the difference between paging and segmentation, and how virtual memory uses secondary storage to extend the apparent size of main memory.
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What types of software exist, and what do utility programs do for a computer system?

Software applications: the distinction between system software and application software, generic, special-purpose and bespoke applications, the role of utility programs (compression, defragmentation, backup, antivirus), and how software is licensed.
An Eduqas Component 2 answer on software applications: the distinction between system and application software, generic, special-purpose and bespoke applications, the role of utility programs such as compression, defragmentation, backup and antivirus, and software licensing models.
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What does an operating system do, and how does it manage the processor, processes and interrupts?

The operating system: its role as the interface between the user, applications and hardware, process management and CPU scheduling, the handling of interrupts, and the management of input/output and the file system.
An Eduqas Component 2 answer on the operating system: its role as the interface between user, applications and hardware, process management and CPU scheduling algorithms, the handling of interrupts, and the management of input/output and the file system.
13 min answer →