Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What does sequencing in programming represent?

1. Code executed in a non-linear fashion.

2. Code that flows continuously until stopped.

3. Code that flows line by line, one after another.

4. Code that executes based on user input.

The correct answer is: Code that flows line by line, one after another.

Sequencing in programming refers to the orderly execution of code statements, where each line runs one after the other in the exact order they are written. This means that the program reads and executes each command sequentially from top to bottom, ensuring that the flow of control follows the structure laid out by the programmer. The concept of sequencing is fundamental to understanding how programs operate since it establishes a predictable path for code execution. For example, if a program includes a variable assignment followed by a print statement, the assignment will take place first, and the print statement will access the updated variable immediately after that assignment. This step-by-step approach is essential for maintaining logic and structure within a program, allowing developers to predict outcomes based on the sequence of commands they've implemented. In this context, options that suggest non-linear execution, continuous flow, or dependence on user input do not accurately represent the core principle of sequencing, which is fundamentally about the orderly and linear execution of code.