1.1 algorithms Flashcards
define unambiguous
this means that the instruction cannot be misunderstood.
define sequence
an ordered set of instructions
define algorithm
a precise method for solving a problem
define high level programming language
a programming language that resembles natural human language
define flowchart
a graphical representation of an algorithm
define pseudo- code
a structured code like language that can be used to describe an algorithm
define variable
a ‘container’ used to store data. that data stored in a variable in called as a value.
define identifier
a unique name given to a variable or a constant
define arithmetic operator
an operator that performs calculation on 2 numbers
define constant
a ‘container’ that holds a value that never changes
define construct
a component from which something is built
define selection
a construct that allows a choice to be made between different alternatives
define iteration
a construct that means the repetition of a process
the IF…THEN…ELSE statement
the IF…THEN…ELSE statement allows a choice to be made between 2 alternatives based whether or not a conditionis met
define relational operator
an operator that compares 2 values
the Nested IF statement
a nested IF statement consists of one or more if statements placed inside each other.
define indefinite iteration
this is used when the number of iterations is not known before the loop is started.
define iteration
this is used when the number of iterations or turns of the loop, is known in advance.
define logical operator
a Boolean operator using “and” “or” and “not”
define random number
a number given in a range of numberws that is generated in such a way that each one has a equal chance of appearing
define nested loop
a loop that runs inside another loop
define concatenation
the linking together of two or more items of information
define logic error
an error in an algorithm that results in incorrect behavior
define trace table
a technique used to identify any logic errors in algorithms
define simulation
a program used test someone in computer before doing it in real life
define infinite loop
a loop that is never ending
define array
an organized collection of related values that share a single identifier
define ascending order
the smallest to biggest
define descending order
the biggest to the smallest
define traversal
travel across or through something
define recursion
a process that is repeated
define brute force
an algorithm design that does not include any techniques to improve performance
define divide and conquer
an algorithm design that works by dividing a problem
define median
the middle number when the numbers are put in ascending or descending order
define computional thinking
the thought process involved in formulating problems and their solutions
define decomposition
breaking a problem down into a smaller more managable parts
define abstraction
the process of removing or hiding unnececssary detail so that only the important points remain
define subprogram
a self contained module of code that performs a specific task
