Topic 1

• What is abstraction in Computer Science?

  Removing excessive details to represent a problem
• Why is abstraction important in computational thinking?

  It simplifies problems by focusing on key features
• What is representational abstraction?

  Simplifying a problem based on relevant information
• What does abstraction by generalisation involve?

  Grouping together similarities within a problem
• What is the benefit of abstraction by generalisation?

  It allows problems to be categorised for common solutions
• What is data abstraction?

  Hiding details about how data is stored
• What are abstract data structures?

  Structures like stacks and queues used without implementation details
• What is procedural abstraction?

  Modeling what a subroutine does without implementation details
• What is a black-box in programming?

  A reusable procedure without implementation knowledge
• How do complex problems utilize multiple levels of abstraction?

  Each level performs a different role in problem-solving
• What is the role of the highest levels of abstraction?

  Providing an interface for user interaction
• What do the lowest levels of abstraction do?

  Perform tasks through the execution of machine code
• Why is abstraction important for non-experts?

  It hides complex information irrelevant to their needs
• How does abstraction improve software development efficiency?

  It allows focus on essential elements, reducing unnecessary details
• What are low-level programming languages?

  Languages like assembly code and machine code
• What is the advantage of high-level programming languages?

  They provide an abstraction for machine code
• How do high-level languages compare to low-level languages?

  High-level languages are easier to learn and use
• What is the TCP/IP model?

  An abstraction for how networks function

  
• How many layers are in the TCP/IP model?

  Four layers of abstraction

  
• What does each layer of the TCP/IP model deal with?

  Different parts of the communication process

  
• Why is compatibility important between layers in the TCP/IP model?

  Standards must be agreed in advance for functionality
• What is abstraction in relation to reality?

  A simplified representation of real-world entities
• How are real-world values stored in programming?

  As variables within computational structures
• What role do objects play in object-oriented programming?

  They are abstractions for real-world entities
• What aspects does abstraction consider in object-oriented programming?

  Functionality, interface, and properties of entities
• What factors should be considered when devising an abstract model?

  • Identify the problem to solve
  • Determine if it can be solved computationally
  • Define key features of the problem
  • Consider the model's usage and format
  • Identify the target audience and their expertise
  • Remove irrelevant details to avoid confusion
• What is the significance of removing unnecessary details in abstraction?

  • Prevents programs from becoming large
  • Reduces time spent on projects
  • Allows focus on essential elements
• How does abstraction facilitate communication in networking?

  • Simplifies understanding of complex processes
  • Allows layers to function independently
  • Hides details of other layers
• What are the characteristics of attributes and methods in object-oriented programming?

  • Attributes: characteristics of an object
  • Methods: actions an object can perform
• What does designing a solution involve?

  Thinking ahead about problem components
• Why is it important to think ahead in software development?

  To anticipate problems during software use
• What are the two main components of computational problems?

  Inputs and outputs
• What are inputs in computational problems?

  Data required to solve the problem
• Why must the order of data input be considered?

  It affects how the data is processed
• What are outputs in computational problems?

  Results passed back after processing inputs
• What must designers decide on for presenting solutions?

  Data type, structure, and method
• What are the inputs and outputs for an ATM program?

  Inputs:

  • Transaction type (Deposit, Balance check, Withdrawal)
  • Card details
  • PIN

  
  

  Outputs:

  • Balance
  • Total amount entered
  • Dispensed cash
  • Printed receipt
  • Verbal feedback
• What input devices are required for an ATM?

  Touch screen, card reader, and keypad
• What output devices are used in an ATM?

  Monitor, cash dispenser, printer, and speakers
• What are preconditions in programming?

  Requirements that must be met before execution