IT101-1L (1-3 Lessons) :( Flashcards
step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a specific problem.
Algorithm
How can be algorithms be expressed? (4)
Natural Language
Pseudocode
Flowchart
Actual Programming code
Algorithms must have a ‘precisely’ defined set of instructions that leave no ambiguity or room for interpretation.
Well-defined:
: Algorithms must terminate after a finite number of steps. They should not enter an infinite loop or continue indefinitely.
Finite
Algorithms take zero or more inputs, which are the initial data or values on which they operate to produce the desired output.
Input:
Algorithms produce one or more outputs, which are the results or solutions obtained after executing the instructions.
Output:
meaning that for a given input, they will always produce the same output.
Deterministic:
It is the foundation of computer science and plays a crucial role in problem-solving and software development.
Algorithm
Algorithms should be practical and efficient, capable of solving the problem within a reasonable amount of time and resources.
Feasible:
Each step should be clear and unambiguous.
Well-defined
There should be no randomness or uncertainty involved in their execution.
Deterministic
_____________ involves careful planning, analysis, and consideration of various factors.
Designing effective algorithms
Clarify the requirements, constraints, and expected outcomes. Break down the problem into smaller subproblems, if necessary.
Understand the Problem
Identify the input required to solve the problem. Determine the format, data types, and possible range of input values. Similarly, define the expected output and its format.
Determine the Input and Output
Break the problem into smaller subproblems, solve them independently, and combine the solutions to obtain the final result.
Divide and Conquer
Make locally optimal choices at each step, hoping to reach the global optimum.
Greedy:
is a well-defined set of instructions that precisely describes how to perform a particular task or solve a problem.
algorithm
: Break the problem into overlapping subproblems, solve them once, and store the results to avoid redundant computations.
Dynamic Programming
Systematically explore all possible solutions by trying out different choices and undoing them if they do not lead to a valid solution.
Backtracking:
Enumerate all possible solutions in a systematic manner, pruning branches that are guaranteed to be suboptimal.
Branch and Bound:
Use randomness or probability to find a solution or improve the efficiency of the algorithm.
Randomized:
_________ provide a systematic approach to breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Algorithms
What are the algorithmic paradigms? (6)
Divide and Conquer
Greedy
Dynamic Programming
Backtracking
Branch and Bound
Randomized
Select an ____________ or approach that suits the problem at hand
Choose an Algorithmic Paradigm
Create a high-level description of the algorithm using pseudocode, a language-independent representation of the solution
Develop a High-Level Algorithm
Focus on the logic and steps required to solve the problem, without getting into the specifics of programming syntax.
Develop a High-Level Algorithm
Review and refine the algorithm for correctness, efficiency, and readability
Refine the Algorithm
Optimize it by reducing unnecessary steps, improving time or space complexity, and eliminating redundancy.
Refine the Algorithm
Consider edge cases and handle exceptions appropriately.
Refine the Algorithm
Translate the refined algorithm into your programming language of choice
Implement the Algorithm
Write the code, following the syntax and conventions of the language.
Implement the Algorithm
Make sure to incorporate the necessary input/output operations and any auxiliary data structures required.
Implement the Algorithm
Thoroughly test the implemented algorithm using different inputs, including typical cases, boundary values, and exceptional scenarios.
Test and Debug
Verify that the algorithm produces the expected output and handles various scenarios correctly. Debug any issues or errors encountered during testing.
Test and Debug
Analyze the algorithm’s performance in terms of time complexity and space complexity.
Analyze and Optimize
Identify potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Consider alternative approaches or optimizations to improve the algorithm’s efficiency, if necessary.
Analyze and Optimize
how its execution time grows as the input size increases
time complexity
how much memory it requires
space complexity
are the building blocks of problem-solving and software development.
Algorithms
They provide a systematic approach to breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, ensuring consistent and predictable results
Algorithms
What is the purpose of testing and debugging an implemented algorithm?
To verify the correctness and handle exceptions
What does it mean for an algorithm to be feasible
it produces consistent and predictable results
Steps for Designing Algorithms for Problem-Solving 8
Understand the Problem
Determine the Input and Output
Choose an Algorithmic Paradigm
Develop a High-Level Algorithm
Refine the Algorithm
Implement the Algorithm
Test and Debug
Analyze and Optimize
are graphical representations of a process or algorithm that use various symbols and arrows to depict the sequence of steps.
Flowcharts
Flowcharts visually represent the steps and flow of a process, making it easier to understand and analyze.
Process Visualization:
Flowcharts provide a common visual language that can be easily understood by different stakeholders involved in a process, facilitating effective communication.
Communication:
Flowcharts help identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas of improvement within a process, enabling process optimization.
Process Analysis:
Flowcharts serve as a useful tool for analyzing and solving problems by breaking them down into manageable steps and visualizing the decision-making process.
Problem-Solving:
Flowcharts serve as documentation for processes, algorithms, and systems, making it easier to maintain and update them over time.
Documentation:
start or end point of a flowchart
Terminator Symbol:
represents an action or operation within the flowchart
Process symbol
represent a condition or decision point in a flowchart
Decision Symbol
input or output of data in the flowchart
input/output symbol
used to connect different parts of a flowchart
Connector Symbol
Flow of control or direction whithin the flowchart
Arrow
_______________is a high-level, structured language used to describe algorithms in a human-readable and language-independent manner.
Pseudocode
Pseudocode is not tied to any specific programming language. It can be easily understood and translated into any programming language, making it a universal language for algorithm design.
Language Independence:
Pseudocode uses a simplified syntax and natural language constructs, making it easier to read, understand, and communicate algorithmic concepts
Simplicity and Readability:
Pseudocode allows algorithm designers to express algorithmic ideas and concepts without the constraints of a specific programming language.
Flexibility:
Pseudocode can be easily understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders, enabling effective collaboration and communication during the algorithm design process.
Accessibility:
Assigning a value to a variable is typically represented using an arrow (←) or an equal sign (=).
Assignment:
Pseudocode represents input and output operations using appropriate keywords, such as input and output.
Input and Output:
Pseudocode includes various control structures to represent decision-making and looping.
Control Structures:
allows the definition and calling of functions or procedures to encapsulate reusable code blocks.
Pseudocode
in pseudocode are used to provide additional explanations, clarifications, or to annotate the code
Comments
The flowchart begins with a “Start” symbol, representing the start of the algorithm, and ends with an “End” symbol, indicating the completion of the algorithm.
Start/End:
Use rectangles or rectangles with rounded corners to represent process steps.
Process:
Use diamonds to represent decision points or conditions. The flow branches based on the outcome of the decision. T
Decision:
Use arrows to connect symbols and indicate the flow of control between steps.
Connector/Arrow:
: Use parallelograms to represent input or output operations.
Input/Output
is a versatile and widely used programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and flexibility.
Python
Who developed pyhton
Guido van Rossum
_______ is a general-purpose, high-level programming language that supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming.
Python
Python’s simple and clear syntax allows programmers to express their ideas with less code compared to other languages.
Easy to read and write
Python abstracts away low-level details, making it easier to focus on problem-solving rather than managing system resources.
High level language
allows variables to hold different data types during the program’s execution, making Python code concise and adaptable.
Dynamically typed
Python code is highly portable and can be executed on different platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more, without modification.
Portability and Cross-platform Compatibility
are used to include external libraries and functionality into the Python program.
Module imports
are placed at the top level of the program and are accessible throughout the entire program.
Global variable declarations
contain the implementation of custom functions used in the program.
Function definitions
play a crucial role in Python programming as they provide essential functionality and organization to the code.
Modules
provides mathematical functions, including trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and rounding functions.
math module
offers functions to generate random numbers, shuffle sequences, and select random elements.
random module
provides functions to interact with the operating system, allowing you to perform tasks like file and directory operations, environment variable access, and process management.
os module
provides classes and functions for working with dates, times, and intervals.
datetime module
provides functions for encoding and decoding data in JSON format. Common functions include json.dumps(), json.loads(), and json.dump().
json module
are fundamental guidelines that govern the structure and composition of programs in the Python programming language
Syntax rules
are terminated with a newline,
statements
is used to define blocks of code.
indentation
are defined using the def keyword, followed by the function name and parameters.
Functions
a wide range of operators for arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical operations, and more.
Operators
_______ statements, such as if, for, while, and try…except, are used to control the execution flow of a program.
Control flow
significantly enhance code readability in Python.
Proper formatting and indentation
occur when the code violates the rules of the Python programming language.
Syntax errors
, also known as exceptions, occur when the code is syntactically correct, but something goes wrong during program execution.
Runtime errors
occur when the code is syntactically and semantically correct, but it does not produce the intended output or behavior.
Logical errors
Debugging is a systematic process of identifying and fixing errors in the code
Debugging
Inserting print statements at strategic points in the code can help trace the program’s execution and identify potential errors.
Print Statements:
Utilizing a debugger allows you to step through the code line by line, inspect variables, and analyze the program’s behavior during runtime.
Debugger:
: Engaging in code review with peers or experienced programmers can provide fresh perspectives and uncover errors that might have been overlooked
Code Review
Creating comprehensive ___________ and providing a range of inputs to the program can help identify errors and verify the correctness of the code.
Test Cases and Test Inputs
When faced with complex issues, divide the problem into smaller parts and test each part individually.
Divide and Conquer
are named storage locations that hold values during program execution.
Variables
are fixed values that do not change during program execution.
Constants
are blocks of code that perform specific tasks.
Functions
They provide additional context, explanations, and instructions within the code, aiding both developers and future maintainers.
Comments
Comments act as a form of communication within the code, helping developers understand the purpose, functionality, and logic of different sections of code.
Enhancing Code Readability and Understanding
Comments also foster collaboration among team members by facilitating code sharing and maintenance.
Facilitating Collaboration and Maintenance
During the debugging process, comments can be invaluable in identifying and isolating problematic code sections.
Assisting Debugging and Troubleshooting
comments are used to add explanations or comments on a single line.
Single-line
also known as block comments, allow for longer explanations or comments spanning multiple lines.
Multi-line comments,
in programming define the kind of data that variables can hold.
Data types
The ___________ is used to represent integers, which are whole numbers without a fractional part.
int data type
type is used to represent floating-point numbers, which are numbers with decimal points.
The float data
is used to represent complex numbers in the form of real + imag * j, where j represents the square root of -1.
The complex data type
is used to represent strings, which are sequences of characters.
The str data type
is used to represent Boolean values, which can be either True or False.
The bool data type
is used to represent ordered collections of items.
The list data type
is used to represent ordered collections of items, similar to lists.
The tuple data type
is used to represent unordered collections of unique items.
The set data type
is used to represent dictionaries, which store key-value pairs.
The dict data type
represents the absence of a value
The None data type
in Python are similar to other programming languages and can be integers or floating-point numbers.
Numeric constants
String constants in Python are defined using single or double quotes.
String constants
also known as keywords, are predefined words in a programming language that have special meanings and are reserved for specific purposes
Reserved words,
Represents the Boolean value for false.
False:
: Represents a special object that signifies the absence of a value.
None
: Represents the Boolean value for true.
True
Creates an alias for a module or import.
as:
: Tests if a condition is true; otherwise, raises an exception.
assert
Terminates the execution of a loop.
break:
: Defines a class, which is a blueprint for creating objects.
class
Skips the current iteration of a loop and proceeds to the next iteration.
continue:
: Defines a function.
def
Deletes a variable or an element from a list or dictionary.
del:
Short for “else if,” defines an alternative branch in an if statement.
elif:
Defines the default branch in an if statement.
else:
Catches an exception in a try-except block.
except:
Defines a block of code to be executed regardless of whether there was an exception.
finally:
Defines a loop that iterates over a sequence.
for:
Imports specific attributes or submodules from a module.
from:
Declares a global variable inside a function.
global:
Evaluates a condition and executes a block of code if the condition is true.
if:
Imports a module.
import:
Checks if a value is present in a sequence.
in:
Checks if two variables refer to the same object.
is:
Creates an anonymous (inline) function.
lambda:
: Declares a non-local variable inside a nested function.
nonlocal
: Performs a logical NOT operation.
not
Performs a logical OR operation.
or:
Represents a null operation (a placeholder for future code).
pass:
Raises an exception.
raise:
: Exits a function and returns a value
return
Defines a block of code with potential exceptions.
try:
: Defines a loop that repeats a set of statements while a condition is true.
while
Creates a context manager for resource management.
with:
Yields a value from a generator function.
yield:
