2.1 Interpreting and Completing Algorithm Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Interpreting Algorithms

A
  • Given an algorithm you should be able to read it and explain what it does.
  • This needs some practice, but there are some things you can look out for.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What to look out for to interpret an algorithm

A

Look for identifiers
identify Inputs & Outputs
Examine Output messages
Look for comments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Look for Identifiers :

A
  • Identifiers are the names of variables, constants, and subroutines.
  • These often give strong clues about the purpose of an algorithm.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Identify Inputs & Outputs

A

Check what is being input and output in the algorithm for clues about its purpose.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Examine Output Messages

A

Output messages often format the result of an algorithm in a human readable way.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Look for comments

A

Look for comments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Correcting Algorithms

A

Incorrect Operators
Look out for the difference between similar operators such as testing if a number is less than another, rather than less than or equal to the other

Incorrect Identifiers -
A common mistake in programs is incorrect identifiers.
- Be very careful with uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Be careful with similar looking characters:
- 0 and O.
- 1 and l (lower case L)

Missing processes
Sometimes a line of code has been forgotten, which can lead to issues such as infinite loops, where the code will never end.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Completing Algorithms

A

Interpreting the diagrams

  • The first step for this type of question is to try to identify what the algorithm does.
  • If you can interpret the algorithm, then it will be much easier to follow it.

Trace tables

  • You can draw a table with a column for each variable in the algorithm.
  • Use this table to record the value of each variable, and carefully follow through the code until the end.
  • Finally, the trace table should include your answer.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly