2.1.1 Thinking Abstractly

Question 1

What is computational thinking?

Answer 1

an ability to think logically about a problem and apply techniques for solving it
formulating a problem in a way that it can be solved computationally

Question 2

What are the techniques used in computational thinking?

Answer 2

Decomposition
Abstraction
Problem/Pattern Recognition

Question 3

What is abstraction?

Answer 3

Model of a complex system that includes only the fundamentals to providing a solution to a problem.

Question 4

Why do we need abstraction?

Answer 4

Makes it easier to solve the problem by creating a clearer view. Also the solution becomes easier to maintain, modify and view as people are not distracted by excessive details.

Question 5

What is an example of abstraction? - computing example

Answer 5

High Level Programming Languages - removes need to know where variables are stored and other implementation. Overall less time consuming and easier.

Question 6

What are the 4 specific types of abstraction I have to know?

Answer 6

Procedural
Functional
Data
Problem

Question 7

What is procedural abstraction? Give an example

Answer 7

Act of removing the actual values used in particular computation and leaving the procedure.
(a + b) x c

Question 8

What does procedural abstraction require in programming?

Answer 8

Knowledge of arguments to be passed onto procedure.

This means order data type and name

Question 9

What is functional abstraction? give an example

Answer 9

The act of disregarding the method and focusing only on values/results. (this means inputs and outputs)
Black Box Testing

Question 10

What is an input?

Answer 10

Information relevant and necessary for problem to be solved

Question 11

What is an output?

Answer 11

Solution/result to a problem

Question 12

What is data abstraction?

Answer 12

details of data types and implementation of data are hidden. The only thing necessary is how to get and use data.

Question 13

What does data abstraction mean for the client?

Answer 13

the client code doesn’t need to be changed

Question 14

Another name for problem abstraction?

Answer 14

problem reduction

Question 15

What is problem reduction/abstraction?

Answer 15

The act of breaking down a complicated problem so that it becomes represented in a way that makes it easier to solve. - (often reduces it to a similar problem that already has a solution)

Question 16

What is the act of automation?

Answer 16

Putting all pieces (usually that have been abstracted) into action to produce a final solution. This is the creation and implementation of the code.

Question 17

Prime example of abstraction in programming?

Answer 17

Functions and classes

Question 18

Why do we have a topic like thinking abstractly ?

Answer 18

To identify what matters in solution and what doesn’t.