Functional Programming Exam Practice

This lesson consolidates all the functional programming concepts covered in this course through exam-style questions, model answers, and revision strategies.

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Question Type 1: Definitions and Comparisons (2–6 marks)

Example Question

Explain the difference between imperative programming and functional programming. Give one advantage of each paradigm. [6 marks]

Model Answer

Imperative programming describes computation as a sequence of statements that change program state. Variables are mutable and can be reassigned. Control flow uses loops (for, while) and conditionals. Programs describe how to compute a result step by step.

Functional programming describes computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. Data is immutable and cannot be changed once created. Control flow uses recursion and function composition. Programs describe what to compute rather than how.

Advantage of imperative: More intuitive for problems involving sequential operations and state changes, such as controlling hardware or managing user interfaces.

Advantage of functional: Easier to reason about, test, and parallelise because pure functions have no side effects and data is immutable.

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Question Type 2: First-Class and Higher-Order Functions (4–6 marks)

Example Question