← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

DECLARE a variable (7c)

Creates a variable named Counter and states its data type (INTEGER) before it is used. The format is DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>, with a space on each side of the colon.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7c Pseudocode and Flowcharts — Module 8

Understanding DECLARE a variable (7c) in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: A price with pence needs a number with a decimal part, so the data type is REAL. The format is DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>. BOOLEAN is the data type for TRUE or FALSE values. STRING is for text. A variable must be declared before use, so the algorithm knows its name and data type. Write a space on each side of the colon: DECLARE Counter : INTEGER. Declare the variable first, then give it a value. Using it before declaring it is an error.

Common mistakes: The colon is missing. The format is DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>, so it should be DECLARE GameOver : BOOLEAN. Pseudocode keywords must be written in upper case. It should be DECLARE Counter : INTEGER.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 146–155) and word search (Modules 146–165).

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Learning

Duo

Which line correctly declares a variable to count how many lives a player has left?

DECLARE Lives INTEGERDECLARE Lives : INTEGER

Matches

Counter ← 0 DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

↓

The variable is used before it is declared. The DECLARE line must come first, then the assignment.

Applying

Meanings

Term

DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

Meaning

Creates a variable named Counter and states its data type (INTEGER) before it is used. The format is DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>, with a space on each side of the colon.

Practice

DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

Testing

Gaps

Counter : INTEGER

Check Answer

Spots

2DECLARE TotalToPay : REAL

3DECLARE GameOver BOOLEAN

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Quick Questions

1. Which line correctly declares a variable to count how many lives a player has left?

A. DECLARE Lives INTEGER

B. DECLARE Lives : INTEGER ✓

A DECLARE statement needs a colon between the identifier and the data type: DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>.

2. Which line declares a variable to store a price that can include pence, such as 12.50?

A. DECLARE TotalToPay : INTEGER

B. DECLARE TotalToPay : REAL ✓

A price can have decimal places, so the data type is REAL. INTEGER only stores whole numbers.

3. Which line correctly declares a variable that holds TRUE or FALSE to show whether a game has ended?

A. DECLARE GameOver : BOOLEAN ✓

B. DECLARE GameOver : STRING

BOOLEAN is the data type for TRUE or FALSE values. STRING is for text.

4. When should DECLARE Counter : INTEGER appear in an algorithm?

A. Before Counter is used ✓

B. After Counter has been used

A variable must be declared before use, so the algorithm knows its name and data type.

5. Which line follows the standard layout for spacing around the colon?

A. DECLARE Counter : INTEGER ✓

B. DECLARE Counter:INTEGER

Write a space on each side of the colon: DECLARE Counter : INTEGER.

Match the Pairs

DECLARE Counter : INTEGER → Creates a variable called Counter that can only store whole numbers

DECLARE GameOver : BOOLEAN → Creates a variable called GameOver that can only hold TRUE or FALSE

Declare a variable to store a price that has decimal places → DECLARE TotalToPay : REAL

A variable must be declared before it is used, so DECLARE comes first → DECLARE Counter : INTEGER Counter ← 0

Counter ← 0 DECLARE Counter : INTEGER → The variable is used before it is declared. The DECLARE line must come first, then the assignment.

DECLARE TotalToPay REAL → The colon is missing. The correct format is DECLARE TotalToPay : REAL, with a space on each side of the colon.

Key Term

DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

Creates a variable named Counter and states its data type (INTEGER) before it is used. The format is DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>, with a space on each side of the colon.

Fill in the Blanks

1. DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

Hint: Type the keyword that creates a variable and states its data type.

2. DECLARE TotalToPay : REAL

Hint: Type the data type for a number with decimal places, such as a price.

3. DECLARE GameOver : BOOLEAN

Hint: Type the data type that can only hold TRUE or FALSE.

4. DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

Hint: Type the symbol that separates the identifier from its data type.

5. DECLARE Counter : INTEGER Counter ← 0

Hint: Type the identifier that was declared on the line above, so it can be used after being declared.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A DECLARE Counter : INTEGER

B DECLARE TotalToPay : REAL

C DECLARE GameOver BOOLEAN

Line C — The colon is missing. The format is DECLARE <identifier> : <data type>, so it should be DECLARE GameOver : BOOLEAN.

Question 2

A declare Counter : INTEGER

B Counter ← 0

C OUTPUT Counter

Line A — Pseudocode keywords must be written in upper case. It should be DECLARE Counter : INTEGER.

Question 3

A DECLARE Score : INTEGER

B DECLARE Price : REAL

C DECLARE Name : STRING

D DECLARE Done : BOOL

Line D — BOOL is not a pseudocode data type. The correct data type name is BOOLEAN, so the line should be DECLARE Done : BOOLEAN.

Question 4

A DECLARE Total : INTEGER

B DECLARE Count:INTEGER

C Total ← 0

D Count ← 0

Line B — There must be a space on each side of the colon. It should be DECLARE Count : INTEGER.

Question 5

A DECLARE Price : REAL

B DECLARE Qty : INTEGER

C Price ← 4.5

D Qty ← 2.5

Line D — Qty was declared as INTEGER, so it can only store whole numbers. 2.5 is a REAL value, so use a whole number such as Qty ← 2.

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