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Computer Science > 2.1 Computational thinking > Flashcards

2.1 Computational thinking Flashcards

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1
Q

Abstraction

A

Simplifying a problem by only taking into consideration the necessary details required to obtain a solution leaving a representation without any unecessary details

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2
Q

Data abstraction

A

details about how data is being stored are hidden

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3
Q

Graph theory

A

A branch of paths that can be used to abstractly represent problems using a collection of nodes connected by edges

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4
Q

Caching

A

The temporary storage of data by the system in cache or memory for the benefit of faster retrieval if it is needed again in future

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5
Q

Inputs

A

Any information relevant to the problem that is required by the system for processing

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6
Q

Outputs

A

The result returned by a system for a given input after running the entire process or part of a process

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7
Q

Preconditions

A

A perquisite or state of a system and its surroundings required to run a use case and return a valid solution

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8
Q

Reusable program components

A

Components that have already been written, debugged and tested that can be transplanted into new systems to save development time in project completion

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9
Q

Procedural abstraction

A

Achieving a task by relying on a procedure of sequential steps

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10
Q

Components of a problem

A

The smaller, simpler series of tasks and sub-procedures a problem can be broken down into to be completed modularly

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11
Q

Flowcharts

A

A representation of the flow of a program that includes all the points where a decision needs to be taken in order to obtain a solution

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12
Q

Logical conditions

A

Conditions which may depend on one or more variables used to determine the next step whenever a system has to make a decision. They are typically implemented using control structures such as sequences selections and iterations

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13
Q

Concurrent processing

A

Processing where the system appears to perform multiple tasks simultaneously

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14
Q

What is abstraction by generalisation

A

grouping together similarities within a problem to
identify what kind of problem it is where a common solution can be used to solve these problems

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15
Q

How does procedural abstraction work

A

It models what a subroutine does without considering how this is done.
Once a procedure has been coded, it can be reused as a black-box

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16
Q

What do large problems make use of in relation to abstraction

A

multiple levels of abstraction, where each level
performs a different role

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17
Q

What are the highest levels of abstraction when multiple are used

A

closest to the user and are
usually responsible for providing an interface for the user to interact with hardware

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18
Q

What are the hlowest levels of abstraction when multiple are used

A

e lowest levels of abstraction are responsible for actually performing these
tasks through the execution of machine code.

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19
Q

TCP ip model abstraction

A

abstraction for how networks function,
separated into four layers of abstraction

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20
Q

Do each layer in the TCP IP model need to know how the others work

A

No

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21
Q

Outgoing and ingoing TCP IP model

A

Outgoing go down from application and incoming goes up from link

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22
Q

OOP abstraction

A

Object-oriented programming makes use of objects, which
are also an abstraction for real-world entities

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23
Q

What does abstraction consider in OOP

A

abstraction considers the
functionality, interface and properties of entities. Attributes
are an abstraction for the characteristics of an object while
methods are an abstraction for the actions a real-world object is able to perform

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24
Q

What is the purpose of thinking ahead?

A

To make programs easy and intuitive for users to use

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25
Q

Inputs?

A

Any data that is required to solve a problem, usually entered into the system by the user

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26
Q

Outputs?

A

The results that are passed back once the inputs have been processed and the problem solved

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27
Q

What considerations do programmers need to make about inputs and outputs when thinking ahead?

A

Method of input/output (device used)
Data structures used
Data types used
Order of data

28
Q

You must be able to extract inputs and outputs from a real world scenario…

Book reservation system, e.g. at a library?

A

Inputs - Book details: name, author, ISBN, Borrower details: name, library card number, Collection point

Outputs - Expected waiting time, Confirmation, Availability at other libraries

29
Q

What are preconditions?

A

Requirements which must be met before a program can be executed

30
Q

Where can preconditions be defined?

A

Within the code or within documentation

31
Q

Where are preconditions required?

A

Stack functions - check stack isn’t empty when popping an element from a stack, or is full when pushing an element onto the stack

Factorial function - the number passed to the function cannot be negative

32
Q

What are the advantages of including preconditions within the documentation accompanying a subroutine?

A

Reduces the length of the program
Reduces the complexity of the program
Saves time needed to debug and maintain a longer program
Makes subroutine more reusable

33
Q

What is caching?

A

The process of storing instructions or values in cache memory after they have been used, as they may be used again

34
Q

How is caching used in storing web pages?

A

Web pages that a user frequently accesses are cached, so the next time one of these pages is accessed, content can be loaded without any delay

35
Q

What are the advantages of caching web pages?

A

Content can be loaded without delay images and text do not have to be downloaded again multiple times
Frees bandwidth for other tasks on a network
Less time is spent wasting

36
Q

What is the name given to the technique in which algorithms are used to predict which instructions are likely to soon be used?

A

Prefetching

37
Q

What are the limitations of caching?

A

Accuracy of the algorithm used
Effectiveness of algorithm in managing the cache
Size of the cache

38
Q

What are the advantages of reusable components?

A

More reliable than new components, as they have already been tested
As developing from scratch is not required, this saves time, money and resources

39
Q

What are some examples of reusable components?

A

Abstract data structures e.g. queues and stacks
Classes
Subroutine

40
Q

What are the limitations of using reusable components?

A

Compatibility issues with the rest of the software Causing to be more costly and time-consuming then developing them in-house

41
Q

What is the first stage of thinking procedurally?

A

Taking the problem defined by the user and breaking it down into its constituent parts

42
Q

What is the purpose of problem decomposition?

A

To make complex problems easier to solve and more manageable by allowing tasks to be divided between a group of people according to individual skill sets

43
Q

What is another name given to top-down design?

A

Stepwise Refinement

44
Q

What is the purpose of top-down design?

A

Continually break problems down into subproblems until each subproblem can be represented as a single task and ideally a self-contained subroutine

45
Q

What are the benefits of using a top-down design?

A

Problems can be solved and modules developed by different people
Tasks can be tested separately, modules are self-contained

46
Q

What sort of problems is top-down design suited to?

A

Large, complex problems

47
Q

What is the second stage of thinking procedurally in software development?

A

Identifying components of a solution

48
Q

How can the lowest level subproblems in top-down design in code?

A

As self-contained modules or subroutines

49
Q

What do software developers need to consider when recombing components of a solution?

A

The order in which subroutines are executed, and how they interact with each other, based on their role in solving the problem

50
Q

What must a software developer do before designing a subroutine to solve a particular problem?

A

See whether it is possible for an already existing subroutine or module to be used

51
Q

What are the advantages of utilising reusable components?

A

More reliable than newly-coded components, as they have already been tested
This saves time, money and resources

52
Q

What is a decision?

A

A result reached after consideration.

53
Q

When are decisions made?

A

Whenever you have a choice to make

54
Q

What is a decision shape in a flowchart?

A

A diamond

55
Q

In a flowchart how many options can you pick from a decision?

A

2 different options - yes or no / true or false

56
Q

How do you make effective decisions?

A

By evaluating the importance of different factors and selecting options which satisfy the needs of the task the most appropriately

57
Q

Does the result of a decision affect the flow of the program?

A

The program will follow a different route depending on the decision made by the user

58
Q

What is concurrent thinking?

A

It is completing more than one task at any given time

59
Q

Are concurrent processing and concurrent thinking the same thing?

A

No, one uses computer processors, one uses the human brain

60
Q

What is parallel processing?

A

Completing multiple tasks simultaneously at any given time

61
Q

What is concurrent processing?

A

Giving a slice of processor time to tasks to give the illusion of parallel processing

62
Q

What are the benefits of concurrent processing?

A

More tasks can be completed in a given time
Other tasks can be completed while waiting for an input/user interaction

63
Q

What are the drawbacks of concurrent processing?

A

If lots of users are requesting for tasks to be completed, it takes longer for everyone to complete their task

64
Q

What is representational abstraction

A

analysing what is relevant to a given scenario and simplifying a problem based on
this information

65
Q

What is categorisation generilsation

A

Another form of abstraction involves grouping together similarities within a problem to
identify what kind of problem it is

66
Q

What does abstraction by generalisation allow

A

certain problems to be categorised as being of a particular type. Thus a common solution
can be used to solve these problems

Computer Science (33 decks)

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