2.1.2 thinking ahead

• thinking ahead

  caching

  does pre-fetching save time?


  yes as instructions have been prepared in advancement
• thinking ahead

  caching

  what is pre-fetching


  -This is a type of caching where algorithms predict what data will be needed soon and load it in advance.
• thinking ahead

  caching

  what is the benefits for pre-fetching


  -speeds up programming and reduced delays

  -improves the user experience, even when it comes to repetitive tasks
• thinking ahead

  caching

  what is the limitation for pre-fetching


  -Pre-fetching relies on prediction which can be wrong at times

  -Larger caches can store more data but takes longer to search (cache size limits how much data can be stored)

  -Effective caching requires smart algorithms, which can be tricky to develop
• thinking ahead

  caching

  why is this good?

  -This is good as it avoids fetching data repeatedly from slower storage, saving time

  -Loaded without any delay
• thinking ahead

  How this data is captured or relayed back to the user once processed (input and output)


  input would be touchscreen, keypad while output device would be monitor, printer, speaker
• thinking ahead

  preconditions

  to make sure the function neven crashes what must be it


  -the function must be test for an empty

  -a precondition must be specified with the documentation for the function
• thinking ahead

  reuseable program components

  what are these

  area of code such as functions, procedures or libraries that can be used throughout multiple programs

  example: import randome or Pygame
• thinking ahead

  reuseable program components

  what is the process


  the problem is broken down into smaller pieces and allows developers to identify where programs that are already existing can be reused to simplify the development process.
• thinking ahead

  reuseable program concepts

  what is advantage of reuseable programs


  -save time and resources because its tested and ready to use

  -improved reliability as the code has likely been debugged already
• thinking ahead

  the process of computational problems


  input -> computational problem -> output
• thinking ahead

  what does thinking ahead mean

  is the process of planning input and outputs and conditions needed for a program to work efficiently
• thinking ahead

  what is a preconditions


  are requirements which must be met before a program can be executed
• thinking ahead

  what is advantages of preconditions


  -reduce the length and complexity of the program as checks dont have to be repeated in every part of the program

  -save time needed to debug and maintain a longer program(the shorter the program the easier to debug and maintain)

  -they make code more reuseable and easier to manage
• thinking ahead

  what is an input in computational thinking


  relevant information to the problem (can be entered through such as keyboard, mouse, touchscreen (ATM transaction))
• thinking ahead

  what is an output in computational thinking


  is the solution to the problem (example: account balance displayed; receipt printed)
• thinking ahead

  what is caching


  storing instruction and values in cache memory after use so they can be used again allowing for quick access.