Thinking Procedurally

Question 1

What are the 5 main steps in the programming process?

Answer 1

1) Defining the problem
2) Planning the solution
3) Coding the program
4) Testing the program
5) Documenting the program

Question 2

What is decomposition?

Answer 2

The breaking down of a problem into steps so that it is easier to solve

Question 3

What are examples of planning using decomposition?

Answer 3

1) Modularisation: for program structure and organisation ie. breaking down the problem into subroutines
2) Structured code: for the individual modules ie. code which uses the basic constructs of sequence, selection, iteration

Question 4

What is Top Down Design / Stepwise Refinement?

Answer 4

Hierarchy diagrams - each process is broken down into components until it cannot be broken down any further

Question 5

Why is Top Down Design beneficial?

Answer 5

The structure of the program can be quickly explained and understood. Programmers can be allocated different modules.

Question 6

What does it mean to think procedurally?

Answer 6

Thinking about the order in which certain tasks are completed.

Question 7

What are 3 examples of decomposition?

Answer 7

Flowcharts, pseudocode, hierarchy charts

Question 8

What are the steps needed for planning the method of solution?

Answer 8

Identify when decision making is required.
Identify the decisions required for the solution.
Identify the condition associated with a given decision.
Apply logical rules for real world situations.
Ensure steps are in the correct order.

Question 9

Once you have divided a problem into sub problems, what would you look for and why?

Answer 9

Any pre-written steps (sub-programs)