2.1.3/4/5 Thinking Procedurally/ logically/ concurrently

Question 1

Top-down modular design

Answer 1

• Breaking down a large complex problem into smaller subproblems, which can be solved more easily.
• The problem becomes easier to manage as each subproblem becomes self contained so they can be divided between groups/ teams.

Question 2

Decision

Answer 2

• A decision is a result reached after some consideration
• flowcharts
• made to determine how different parts of the program are completed.

Question 3

Thinking logically

Answer 3

thinking logically also involves identifying where decisions need to be made by the user within the program and planning out the outcomes of the decision made. The program will follow a different route depending on the decision made by the user.

Question 4

Parallel processing vs concurrent processing

Answer 4

Parallel processing is when multiple cores/ processors are used to complete more than one task simultaneously.
Whereas, concurrent processing is when each task is given a time slice of processor time to make it look like the tasks are being completed simultaneously.

Question 5

Benefits of concurrent processing

Answer 5

• the no. of tasks being completed in a given time is increased
• less time spent waiting for an input or user interaction, as other tasks can be completed.

Question 6

Drawbacks of concurrent processing

Answer 6

• can take longer to complete when large numbers of users and tasks are involved as processes cannot be completed at once
• there is an overhead coordinating and switching processors, which reduces the program’s throughput
• not all tasks are suited to being broken up and performed concurrently.