Question

Problem 2. (2 pts) How do type declaration statements for simple variables affect the readability of a language, considering that some languages do not require them?

Problem 3. (2 pts) Many contemporary languages allow two kinds of comments: one in which delimiters are used on both ends (multiple-line comments), and one in which a delimiter marks only the beginning of the comment (one line comments). Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Answer 1

Ans2. One key element in coding in any programming language is it's readability. Apart from adding comments to codes, another way to greatly enhance readability is by effective type declaration that are paramount in many programming languages such as Java, C, C++ and the likes. Type declaration allows for easy identification of data types and to differentiate between them. Not only does this enhance readability, it does also enhance optimal code-understandability.

The use of type declaration statements for simple scalar variables may have very little effect on the readability of programs. If a language has no type declarations at all, it may be an aid to readability, because regardless of where a variable is seen in the program text, its type can be determined without looking elsewhere. Unfortunately, most languages that allow implicitly declared variables also include explicit declarations. In a program in such a language, the declaration of a variable must be found before the reader can determine the type of that variable when it is used in the program.

Ans3. Multiple line comments:-

The main disadvantage of using paired delimiters for comments is that it results in diminished reliability. It is easy to inadvertently leave off the final delimiter, which extends the comment to the end of the next comment, effectively removing code from the program. The advantage of paired delimiters is that you can comment out areas of a program.

One line comments:-

The disadvantage of using only beginning delimiters is that they must be repeated on every line of a block of comments. This can be tedious and therefore errorprone. The advantage is that you cannot make the mistake of forgetting the closing delimiter.