Question

A function is a series of programming statements that can be called by name. Which command is called once when the program starts?

1) loop()
2) (output)
3) setup()
4) (input)

Answer 1

In programming environments like Arduino, the 'setup()' function is called once at the beginning to initialize the program, while 'loop()' is called repeatedly thereafter. 'Input' and 'output' are operations for data transfer, not function calls.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of programming, particularly in development environments like Arduino, a function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task. When dealing with such environments, the setup() function is called once at the beginning when a program starts. It is used to initialize variables, pin modes, start using libraries, and other only-time setup tasks. After setup() has finished, the loop() function, if present, is then called repeatedly, allowing the program to change and respond as it runs. On the other hand, input and output are not functions but are operations that programs perform to receive data from the user (input) or send data to the user (output). Understanding these function calls and operations are critical skills in computer programming.