# 8.0 Module Overview: Programming Concepts and File Handling

- **Track:** Cambridge IGCSE™ Computer Science (0478 / 0984) (CAMBRIDGE IGCSE 0478)
- **Module:** Section 8: Programming Concepts & File Handling
- **Estimated Duration:** 5 minutes
- **Access:** Open Theory (All-Access for Interactive IDE & Autotests)

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## Theory & Conceptual Background

Use this module to build one skill at a time, then apply it in a different situation. Read each worked example, explain its steps and attempt the exercises without copying the example. The mixed review is for retrieval now and after a delay.

## Lessons

- [Variables, Data Types & OUTPUT in Cambridge Pseudocode](/learn/igcse-0478/variables-and-output)
- [Constants, Scope & Value Protection](/learn/igcse-0478/constants-and-scope)
- [User Input & Standard Arithmetic Operations](/learn/igcse-0478/user-input-and-arithmetic)
- [Integer Division: DIV (Quotient) & MOD (Remainder)](/learn/igcse-0478/arithmetic-div-mod)
- [Library Routines: ROUND and RANDOM](/learn/igcse-0478/library-routines)
- [Selection & Decision Making (IF ... THEN ... ELSE)](/learn/igcse-0478/selection-if-statements)
- [Multi-Way Selection (CASE OF ... OTHERWISE ... ENDCASE)](/learn/igcse-0478/selection-case-statements)
- [Count-Controlled Loops (FOR ... TO ... NEXT)](/learn/igcse-0478/count-controlled-loops)
- [Post-Condition Loops (REPEAT ... UNTIL)](/learn/igcse-0478/post-condition-repeat-loops)
- [Pre-Condition Loops (WHILE ... DO ... ENDWHILE)](/learn/igcse-0478/trace-tables-and-while-loops)
- [Nested Loops & Multidimensional Iteration](/learn/igcse-0478/nested-loop-constructs)
- [String Handling Functions (LENGTH, SUBSTRING, UCASE, LCASE)](/learn/igcse-0478/string-handling-routines)
- [1D Arrays & 1-Based Indexing](/learn/igcse-0478/one-dimensional-arrays)
- [2D Arrays & Matrix Grid Iteration](/learn/igcse-0478/two-dimensional-arrays)
- [Procedures & Parameter Passing](/learn/igcse-0478/procedures-and-parameters)
- [Functions & Return Values](/learn/igcse-0478/functions-and-return-values)
- [Sequential File Handling (OPENFILE, READFILE, WRITEFILE)](/learn/igcse-0478/sequential-file-handling)
- [Mixed Practice: Programming](/learn/igcse-0478/programming-review)
- [Independent Scenario: Club Results](/learn/igcse-0478/integrated-scenario-scores)

## Study and feedback

Reading theory is open. Interactive access depends on your account and module access; the AI Tutor requires eligible All-Access membership. Structured checks provide feedback on specific answers. Written explanations and diagrams need comparison with the worked guidance and, where possible, a teacher's feedback. Passing a check is not a prediction of an exam grade.

## Programming before algorithms

Beginners should study module 8 through arrays before attempting module 7's search/sort programs. The module navigation places programming before algorithm practice; syllabus numbers remain available for reference. Revisit subroutines, files and the independent scenarios once their prerequisites are secure.

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## Interactive Exercises & Autotest Specifications

### Exercise 1: Overview Check: How to study (Fill in blank, 5 XP)

**Instructions:**
Work out each answer before submitting. After reading a worked example, should you copy it or try new values?


**Starter Code:**
```text
{"prompt":"Overview Check: How to study","template":"1. After reading a worked example, should you copy it or try new values? [blank_1]","blanks":[{"id":"blank_1"}],"word_bank":["try new values","copy it directly","skip the practice"]}
```