Inputs, Outputs and Thinking Ahead

Question 1

Input

Answer 1

signals or data received by the system

Question 2

Output

Answer 2

signals or data sent from the system.

Question 3

Performance Modelling

Answer 3

working out the most optimal design for the best performance.

Question 4

Caching

Answer 4

storing bits of data that can be reused from storage.

Question 5

Reusable Components

Answer 5

using code and parts of code that can be used/called upon again and again in a computer program.

Question 6

What is an input in a computer system?

Answer 6

An input is data or signals received by the system from external sources, such as a keyboard, mouse, or sensor.

Question 7

What is an output in a computer system?

Answer 7

An output is data or signals sent from the system to external devices, such as a display, printer, or speaker.

Question 8

What does “thinking ahead” mean in the context of computer science?

Answer 8

Thinking ahead involves anticipating the inputs, outputs, and processes needed for a program before implementation, considering potential future requirements or user actions.

Question 9

Why is considering inputs important when designing a program?

Answer 9

Understanding inputs ensures the program can correctly process data, handle unexpected values, and validate user input to avoid errors.

Question 10

Give an example of a common input validation check.

Answer 10

Ensuring a user enters a valid email format, checking that a number falls within a specified range, or ensuring a field is not left blank.

Question 11

What is an “input device”?

Answer 11

An input device is any hardware component that sends data to the computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, or microphone.

Question 12

What is an “output device”?

Answer 12

An output device is any hardware component that receives and displays data from the computer, such as a monitor, printer, or speakers.

Question 13

What is meant by “preconditions” in procedural thinking?

Answer 13

Preconditions are conditions or requirements that must be met before a procedure or algorithm can be executed properly.

Question 14

Why are preconditions important in program design?

Answer 14

They help ensure that the program runs correctly by validating the initial state before executing a procedure, reducing the chances of errors or unexpected behavior.

Question 15

How does “thinking ahead” affect system performance?

Answer 15

By anticipating and preparing for future needs (e.g., handling larger inputs or optimizing for faster outputs), you can design more efficient and scalable systems.

Question 16

What is meant by “caching” in computing?

Answer 16

Caching involves storing frequently used data or calculations in temporary storage (cache) to reduce access times and improve performance.

Question 17

How does caching relate to thinking ahead in computer systems?

Answer 17

Caching anticipates repeated use of certain data and speeds up future processes by reducing the need to repeatedly access the slower main memory or recalculate data.

Question 18

What is a “buffer” in terms of outputs?

Answer 18

A buffer is a temporary storage area used to hold data being transferred between two devices or processes that operate at different speeds.

Question 19

Why are buffers important in managing outputs?

Answer 19

Buffers ensure smooth data transfer by temporarily holding data until the output device is ready to process it, preventing data loss or delays.

Question 20

What is an example of thinking ahead when designing user input interfaces?

Answer 20

Anticipating potential user mistakes (e.g., inputting letters where numbers are expected) and designing input validation to handle these errors appropriately.

Question 21

What is the purpose of input validation in programming?

Answer 21

Input validation ensures that the data entered by users meets certain criteria, preventing invalid or malicious data from being processed by the system.

Question 22

What is a postcondition in computing?

Answer 22

A postcondition is a condition that must be true after a procedure has been executed, ensuring the program has successfully completed its task.

Question 23

How can thinking ahead help prevent program crashes?

Answer 23

By predicting possible issues like invalid input or resource exhaustion, developers can implement error-handling mechanisms to ensure the program can recover gracefully.

Question 24

What is a “use case” in the context of thinking ahead?

Answer 24

A use case is a description of how a user interacts with a system to achieve a goal, helping developers anticipate inputs, outputs, and edge cases in program design.

Question 25

How does thinking ahead improve user experience (UX)?

Answer 25

By anticipating user needs, developers can design intuitive input methods, reduce delays in output, and create a smoother, more efficient user experience.