Computer Engineering
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Computational Thinking Notes

Define being fit for purpose
- The program meets the original purpose and requirements the code was designed for
- Provides expected outputs
- Test tables help to examine the values at each stage

Define efficiency
The amount of time and resources needed to run a particular program

What 3 steps to improve efficiency?
- Using repetition (loops) to reduce the amount of code
- Use arrays instead of declaring many individual variables
- Use selection statements which only make comparisons until a solution is reached

Define abstraction
Using symbols and variables to represent a real-world problem using a computer program and removing unnecessary elements

State 3 advantages of abstraction
- Allows the creation of a general idea of how to solve the problem
- Provides focus on what needs to be done
- Provides a simple view of the problem

Define variables
A box in which data may be stores

Define pseudocode
A mix of English language and code that represents what you want your program to do

What are 2 advantages of pseudocode?
- Flexible
- Less precise than a programming language

Define an array
a data structure that stores a fixed number of values under a single identifier

Define MOD
Modulus means the remainder from a division

Define DIV and give an example
Quotient is integer division (21 DIV 5 = 4)

Define sequencing
Breaking down complex tasks into simple steps

What are 3 disadvantages of sequencing?
- Not very efficient
- Difficult to follow with large programs
- Hard to maintain

What are the 3 types of errors?
Syntax errors, runtime errors, and logic errors

Define syntax errors
When the code doesn't follow the syntax rules of the programming language, stopping the program running

Define logic errors
Where the program runs but doesn't do what it should do

Define runtime errors
Takes place during the running of a program causing a crash

Define decomposition
Breaking down large problems into a set of smaller parts

What are 5 advantages of decomposition?
- Smaller problems are easier to solve
- Each part can be solved independently
- Each part can be tested independently
- The parts are combined which solves the full problem
- Allows each smaller problem to be examined in more detail

What are the 2 sorting algorithms?
Bubble sort and merge sort

What are the 2 searching algorithms?
linear search and binary search

Define a constant
A fixed value used by the program such as pi

What is the advantage of a constant?
It allows easy use of fixed values without having to store them in the program

Define a procedure
A set of instructions stored under an identifier

What is the difference between a procedure and a function?
Functions return a value, procedure doesn't

Define parameters
Values passed into a sub program - they're referred to as arguments when calling the sub program

What are 4 advantages of using sub programs
- Used to save time and simplify code
- Allows the same code to be used several times without it being written out each time
- Easier for someone else to understand
- Can be saved as modules and reused in other programs