Section 1 Flashcards
What is an algorithm?
A sequence of steps that can be followed in order to complete a task
List 3 examples of an algorithm
A recipe. Directions. Assembly instructions
What is computational thinking?
A process used to solve complex problems. It means formulating a problem and expressing its solution in such a way that a computer can carry it out
What are the two main stages of computational thinking?
Abstraction and decomposition
What is abstraction?
Abstraction involves identifying the key parts of the problem and removing any unnecessary detail so that it becomes easier to solve
What it decomposition?
Decomposition means breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts which are easier to solve
What are the three steps of decomposition?
- Identify the main problem
- List the main sub-problems, functions or tasks
- Break these down into smaller sub-problems or tasks which can then be completed seperately
How do you represent a decision on a flowchart?
Diamond
What does a diamond represent on a flowchart?
Decision
How do you represent input/output on a flowchart?
Parallelogram
What does a parallelogram represent on a flowchart?
Input/output
How do you represent a process on a flowchart?
Rectangle
What does a rectangle represent on a flowchart?
Process
How do you represent a subroutine on a flowchart?
Rectangle with lines on either side
What does a rectangle with lines on either side represent on a flowchart?
Subroutine
How do you represent a terminal on a flowchart?
Oval
What does an oval represent on a flowchart?
Terminal
Name one issue with using flowcharts to develop algorithms?
It doesn’t usually translate very easily into program code
What is pseudocode?
Pseudo-code is useful for developing an algorithm using programming-style constructs, but it is not an actual programming language.
How do you represent assignment to a variable in pseudocode?
A backwards arrow
Should you use separate input statements for each value to be inputted (pseudocode)
Yes
Give three examples of an input device
Keyboard, mouse, sensor (moisture, pressure, temperature)
Give three examples of an output
Printed report, valve opening/closing, graphics on a screen
What is nested selection?
When an if statement contains at least one other if statement within it
