2.1 Computational thinking Extra

Question 1

Explain how programmers make use of reusable components when developing large programs

Answer 1

Software is modular (1), an example
being an object / function (1). Modules
can be transplanted into new software
(1) or can be shared at run time (1)
through the use of program libraries

Question 2

What does using extra computational resources mean

Answer 2

Could detract from the main purpose of program

Question 3

What can too much abstraction do

Answer 3

detract from
the appeal of the game, may be too
simplistic / not realistic enough, may
not have enough scope to engage
users

Question 4

Explain some ways of gathering data

Answer 4

Questionnaire, interview, observation, meeting

Question 5

What does a function having a single entry point ensure

Answer 5

this reduces complexity and
makes the search for any bugs more
straightforward

Question 6

Why should variables not be set up outside the scope of a function

Answer 6

this sets a limit
on where to look for bugs and reduces
the likelihood of a problem spread
across many modules

Question 7

What is hardware specific code

Answer 7

Code that only works on a specific piece of hardware

Question 8

Concurrent processing v parralel

Answer 8

People often confuse concurrent processing and parallel processing as being the same
thing, but they are slightly different. Parallel processing is when multiple processors are
used to complete more than one task simultaneously. Meanwhile, concurrent processing is
when each task is given a slice of processor time to make it look like the tasks are being
completed simultaneously when in reality they are executed sequentially

Question 9

Example of how concurrent processing could be used in a flight simulator

Answer 9

Each plane can move independently and can all react to different events like the weather