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GCSE AQA Computer Science > Algorithms > Flashcards

Algorithms Flashcards

1
Q

What is an algorithm?

A

A sequence of logical instructions for carrying out a task.

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2
Q

What are two common methods for designing algorithms?

A

Pseudo-code and flowcharts.

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3
Q

What do algorithms focus on when being designed?

A

The logic of the steps.

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4
Q

What is meant by ‘language independent’ in the context of algorithms?

A

Programmers should be able to translate an algorithm into any programming language.

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5
Q

Fill in the blank: An algorithm can be designed using _______ and/or flowcharts.

A

pseudo-code

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6
Q

True or False: Algorithms are specific to a programming language.

A

False

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7
Q

What is the purpose of using statements and expressions in algorithms?

A

To provide clear instructions for solving a problem.

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8
Q

What is pseudo-code?

A

A method of writing up a set of instructions for a computer program using plain English.

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9
Q

What is a flowchart?

A

A diagram that shows the step-by-step flow of an algorithm.

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10
Q

What is a statement in an algorithm?

A

The smallest element of a programming language which expresses an action to be carried out.

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11
Q

What is a programming language?

A

A language used by a programmer to write a piece of software.

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12
Q

What is decomposition?

A

Breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller parts that are more manageable and easier to understand.

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13
Q

What is abstraction?

A

The process of extracting or withdrawing something eg. The underground Map

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14
Q

Psuedo-code can be broken into three sections. What are they?

A

Inputs
Processes
Outputs

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15
Q

What is assignment?

A

Setting the value of a variable in a computer program.

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16
Q

What is a variable?

A

A memory location within a computer program where values are stored.

17
Q

What are data?

A

Units of information. In computing there can be different data types, including integers, characters and Boolean.

18
Q

What symbols should be used for pseudo-code?
Line

A

It represents the flow from one component to the next.
An arrow.

19
Q

What symbols should be used for pseudo-code?
Process

A

An action.
A rectangle.

20
Q

What symbols should be used for pseudo-code?
Subroutine

A

Calls a subroutine,
A rectangle.

21
Q

What symbols should be used for pseudo-code?
Input / Output

A

Calls an input or an output.

A squashed rectangle.

22
Q

What symbols should be used for pseudo-code?
Decision

A

A yes/no/true/false decision.
A kite shape.

23
Q

What symbols should be used for pseudo-code?
Terminator

A

The start or end of the process,
A rounded rectangle.

24
Q

What is an input?
eg. in pseudo-code
myVar <– Input

A

Data which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage as a variable.

25
Q

What is an output?

A

Data which is sent out of a system and shown to the user.

26
Q

How does a program communicate with the user?

A

The user must input
data into the system
This data must be processed
The outcome is output to the user
The data is stored for later use

27
Q

What does a dry run mean?

A

Dry running an algorithm means to assign the values to variables of an algorithm and to do any processing that takes place without translating it into code.

28
Q

What is a trace table?

A

Used when testing a program to record changes in variable values as code executes.

29
Q

What is a standard algorithm?

A

A commonly agreed programming solution to a specific problem.

30
Q

What does bubble sort mean?

A

A sorting algorithm that repeatedly passes through a list to be sorted, comparing and swapping items that are in the wrong order.

31
Q

What does merge sort mean?

A

A sorting algorithm that repeatedly divides a list in half until each has only one item. The individual lists are then merged.

32
Q

What does efficiency look at?

A

Efficiency looks at how much time it takes to run a particular algorithm and how much space is needed.

33
Q

What is an array?

A

A set of data values of the same type, stored in a sequence in a computer program. Also known as a list.

GCSE AQA Computer Science (3 decks)

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