Barron's AP Computer Science A

Be prepared for exam day with Barron’s. Trusted content from AP experts! Barron’s AP Computer Science A: 2020-2021 includes in-depth content review and online practice. It’s the only book you’ll need to be prepared for exam day. Written by Experienced Educators Learn from Barron’s--all content is written and reviewed by AP experts Build your understanding with comprehensive review tailored to the most recent exam Get a leg up with tips, strategies, and study advice for exam day--it’s like having a trusted tutor by your sideBe Confident on Exam Day Sharpen your test-taking skills with 6 full-length practice tests--3 in the book, including a diagnostic test to target your studying, and 3 more online Strengthen your knowledge with in-depth review covering all Units on the AP Computer Science A Exam Reinforce your learning with multiple-choice practice questions at the end of each chapterInteractive Online Practice Continue your practice with 3 full-length practice tests on Barron’s Online Learning Hub Simulate the exam experience with a timed test option Deepen your understanding with detailed answer explanations and expert advice Gain confidence with automated scoring to check your learning progress Title Page About the Author Copyright Contents Barron’s Essential 5 Preface Acknowledgments Introduction General Information About the Exam How to Use This Book Diagnostic Test Computer Science A Section I Computer Science A Section II Answer Key (Section I) Diagnostic Chart Answers Explained 1. Strategies for Taking the Exam The Multiple-Choice Section What Is Tested? Time Issues Guessing The Java Quick Reference An Active Pencil Troubleshooting—What’s Wrong with This Code? Loop Tracing Java Exceptions Matrix Manipulation Comparing Algorithms Mechanics of Answering Questions The Free-Response Section What Is the Format? What Is Tested? What Types of Questions? Skill Focus in Free-Response Questions The Java Quick Reference Time Issues Grading the Free-Response Questions Coding Issues Maximizing Your Score 2. Introductory Java Language Features Packages and Classes Javadoc Comments Types and Identifiers Identifiers Built-in Types Storage of Numbers Hexadecimal and Octal Numbers Final Variables Operators Arithmetic Operators Relational Operators Logical Operators Assignment Operators Increment and Decrement Operators Operator Precedence Input/Output Input Output Escape Sequences Control Structures Decision-Making Control Structures Iteration Errors and Exceptions Multiple-Choice Questions on Introductory Java Language Features Answer Key Answers Explained 3. Classes and Objects Objects Classes Public, Private, and Static Methods Headers Types of Methods Method Overloading Scope The this Keyword References Reference vs. Primitive Data Types The Null Reference Method Parameters Multiple-Choice Questions on Classes and Objects Answer Key Answers Explained 4. Inheritance and Polymorphism Inheritance Superclass and Subclass Inheritance Hierarchy Implementing Subclasses Declaring Subclass Objects Polymorphism Dynamic Binding (Late Binding) Using super in a Subclass Type Compatibility Downcasting Abstract Classes Interfaces Multiple-Choice Questions on Inheritance and Polymorphism Answer Key Answers Explained 5. Some Standard Classes The Object Class The Universal Superclass Methods in Object The String Class String Objects Constructing String Objects The Concatenation Operator Comparison of String Objects Other String Methods Wrapper Classes The Integer Class The Double Class Autoboxing and Unboxing The Math Class Random Numbers Multiple-Choice Questions on Some Standard Classes Answer Key Answers Explained 6. Program Design and Analysis Software Development Program Specification Program Design Program Implementation Testing and Debugging Program Maintenance Object-Oriented Program Design Identifying Classes Identifying Behaviors Determining Relationships Between Classes UML Diagrams Implementing Classes Implementing Methods Vocabulary Summary Program Analysis Program Correctness Assertions Efficiency Multiple-Choice Questions on Program Design and Analysis Answer Key Answers Explained 7. Arrays and Array Lists One-Dimensional Arrays Initialization Length of Array Traversing a One-Dimensional Array Arrays as Parameters Array Variables in a Class Array of Class Objects Analyzing Array Algorithms Array Lists The ArrayList Class The Methods of ArrayList Autoboxing and Unboxing Using ArrayList Two-Dimensional Arrays Declarations Matrix as Array of Row Arrays Processing a Two-Dimensional Array Two-Dimensional Array as Parameter Multiple-Choice Questions on Arrays and Array Lists Answer Key Answers Explained 8. Recursion Recursive Methods General Form of Simple Recursive Methods Writing Recursive Methods Analysis of Recursive Methods Sorting Algorithms That Use Recursion Recursive Helper Methods Recursion in Two-Dimensional Grids Sample Free-Response Question 1 Sample Free-Response Question 2 Multiple-Choice Questions on Recursion Answer Key Answers Explained 9. Sorting and Searching Sorts: Selection and Insertion Sorts Selection Sort Insertion Sort Recursive Sorts: Merge Sort and Quicksort Merge Sort Quicksort Sorting Algorithms in Java Sequential Search Binary Search Analysis of Binary Search Multiple-Choice Questions on Sorting and Searching Answer Key Answers Explained 10. The AP Computer Science A Labs The Magpie Lab Special Emphasis The Elevens Lab Special Emphasis The Picture Lab Special Emphasis Multiple-Choice Questions on the Lab Concepts Answer Key Answers Explained Practice Tests Practice Test 1 Computer Science A Section I Computer Science A Section II Answer Key (Section I) Answers Explained Practice Test 2 Computer Science A Section I Computer Science A Section II Answer Key (Section I) Answers Explained Appendix: Glossary of Useful Computer Terms Barron's AP Computer Science A is completely up-to-date for the May 2020 exam changes. The course outline and free response questions reflect updates to the topics breakdown and free-response section. You'll get the key content review, practice tests, and effective strategies you need to be prepared for the exam. This edition features: -Five full-length practice tests, including three online -One diagnostic test to help you determine which sections you need to focus on -Specific strategies for the AP Computer Science A exam -Comprehensive content review -Glossary of useful computer terms