Glossary Flashcards
Network
Computers linked together
Workstation
Computer connected to the network
Stand Alone Machine
Computer not connected to a network
Desktop/laptop
PC sits on desk full sized keys/monitor
World Wide Web
Interconnected web pages
Internet
PC’s interconnected
LAN
Network over a small area
WAN
Wide area network
Bandwidth
Amount of data possible through a cable/per second
Decomposition
Breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller parts that are more manageable and easier to understand
Abstraction
Representing essential features without including the background details or explanations
Iteration
A process wherein a set of instructions or structures are repeated in a sequence a specified number of times or until a condition is met
Selection
A question is asked and depending on the answer the program takes one of two courses of action after which the program moves on to the next event
Pseudocode
A notation resembling a simplified programming language, used in program design
Algorithm
A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer
Variable
A storage address paired with an associated symbolic name, which contains some known or unknown quantity of information referred to as a value
Constant
A value that cannot be altered by the program during normal execution, i.e., the value is constant
Protocol
A system of rules that allow two or more entities of a communications system to transmit information via any kind of variation of a physical quantity
Sequence
The order that commands are executed by a computer, allowing us to carry out tasks that have multiple steps
Syntax
Refers to the spelling and grammar of a programming language
Validation
An automatic computer check to ensure that the data entered is sensible and reasonable
What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a set of logical steps to be followed to perform a particular task
What are the two methods to represent an algorithm?
Pseudocode and flowchart
What statement is used for data entry?
INPUT statement
What statement is used to display a variable?
PRINT statement
What operator is used for assigning a variable?
← operator
What are the two types of conditional statements?
If… then… statement and case statement
What conditional statement is used for more than two conditions?
If… then… elseif … statement
What is iteration?
Repeated execution of a set of lines is called iteration
What type of programming statements are used for iterations?
Loop statements
What are the types of loop statements?
For… to… next, repeat… until and while… do…
What operator is used for ‘not equal to’ comparisons?
!= or <>
What operator is used for grouping comparisons?
( )
Algorithm
A set of logical steps to be followed to perform a particular task
Conditional statements
Statements used when different actions are to be performed based on different values of user input
Flowchart
A method of representing an algorithm in a pictorial form, depicting the steps and order to be followed to perform a task
INPUT
A statement used for data entry
Iteration
Repeated execution of a set of lines
Loop statements
Statements that are used to execute a part of the algorithm multiple times
Program
A set of instructions that performs a specific task during its execution
A statement used to display a string or a variable
Pseudocode
A method of representing an algorithm using simple words and mathematical operators
Software
Programs responsible for various operations of a computer and its peripherals
Variable
A symbolic name used to represent a value which could be changed during execution
What is computational thinking?
Computational thinking is a thought process involved in formulating a problem and expressing its solution in such a way that computers can effectively carry it out.
Why is developing software a complex process?
Because software development involves innovative thinking processes and complex testing procedures.
What are the components of computational thinking?
Abstraction
Decomposition
Algorithm design
What are the steps involved in problem solving?
Understand the problem
Construct a plan to solve the problem
Apply the plan
Check for errors and look for improvements in the current plan
What steps are involved in understanding a problem?
We need all data to understand the problem. Then, we must check whether the problem is solvable. If it is solvable, a complex problem can be broken down into simpler modules.
What are the characteristics of a proper solution?
Error-free, efficient and reusable.
What is abstraction?
A component of computational thinking where certain non-essential characteristics of objects or systems are removed so that it is reduced to a simple set of characteristics.
List some examples of abstraction
Variables and functions in programming. Layering in computer networks.
What is decomposition?
A component of computational thinking where a large problem is broken down into smaller chunks that can then be solved using computing.
What is pattern recognition?
A concept where similar problems are solved by reusing solutions.
What are the advantages of using pattern recognition?
Saves effort and time.
What is an algorithm?
A problem is broken into a series of logical steps called an algorithm.
In what forms, is an algorithm represented?
Flowchart and pseudocode
What is a flowchart?
A method of representing algorithms in pictorial form, depicting the steps and order to be followed to perform a task.
What is pseudocode?
A method of representing an algorithm using simple words and mathematical operators.
What is the function of a MOD operator?
A MOD operator is used to find remainder of a division operation.
