2.1.2 Designing, creating and refining algorithms Flashcards
What processes happen within analysing a problem?
Input
Processes
Output
What is an input?
any data that will be entered into a system
What is processes?
include any validation, calculations or operations carried out on a set of data.
What is an output?
information that will be returned to the user
What is a structure diagram?
Used to graphically represent a problem and break it down into smaller problems.
What do Top-Level approaches allow?
individual elements to be tackled and eventually written as program and sub-program code.
What does Top-Level represent?
the problem and each level below it is that problem broken down into one or more subsections.
What is a circle used for within a flowchart?
used at the start or end point of a diagram
What is a parallelogram used for within a flowchart?
used to represent the input or output of data in a process
What is a diamond used for withinn a flowchart?
Used when a decision or choice must be made
What is a rectangle used for within a flowchart?
A process symbol, used to indicate a process or computational task being carried out.
What is the symbol of two rectangles together used for within a flowchart?
Used to represent a sub-routine that can be called at various points of an algorithm.
What is Pseudocode?
Not a formal programming language. Informal way of describing computer instructions that programmers use to help plan and program before writing it in a specific language
What are the characteristics of Pseudocode
Not designed to be understood directly by a computer, uses terminology, syntax and structure common to most coding languages but in simple English.
Simple mistakes that would halt a computer program, will not have an impact on pseudocode
What is a trace table?
Used to test an algorithm by examining each line of code step by step and predicting results.
