Software Development ii - Problem Decomposition

Question 1

Decomposition

Answer 1

Breaking down a problem into sub-problems.

Question 2

Algorithm

Answer 2

A precise set of instructions in order to complete a certain task.

Question 3

Subroutine

Answer 3

A set of instructions designed to perform a frequently used operation within the program.

Question 4

Structure diagram / Hierarchy chart

Answer 4

Top level: whole program / project
Next level: major tasks, stages, ( normally become source code files
Bottom level: procedures/functions, ideally following the discrete Input->Process->Output pattern.

Question 5

Function

Answer 5

Used to calculate a result from given inputs

Question 6

Procedure

Answer 6

Used to perform a certain task in order

Question 7

Trace Table

Answer 7

A mechanism of ‘dry running’ an algorithm at the design stage before you actually code it to check it is going to behave as planned.
Each column : a vriable
Each row : different stages of the algorithm.