2.1 elements of computational thinking

• What is the initial stage of problem-solving in programming?

  Understanding of the problem
• Why is creativity important in problem-solving?

  It helps in conceptualizing robust solutions
• What are the key approaches to problem-solving?

  • Problem decomposition
  • Abstraction
  • Pattern recognition
  • Generalisation
• What does problem decomposition involve?

  Breaking a complex problem into smaller parts
• What is abstraction in problem-solving?

  Eliminating unnecessary detail to simplify complexity
• What is pattern recognition in problem-solving?

  Identifying commonalities within a problem
• How can generalisation be applied in problem-solving?

  By applying a solution to similar problems
• What are the key aspects of algorithm design?

  • Crafting a sequence of instructions
  • Understanding algorithm efficiency
• What is algorithm efficiency concerned with?

  Optimising code for speed and resource use
• What are programming constructs?

  • Sequence
  • Iteration
  • Selection
  • Recursion
• What are programming paradigms?

  Different styles of programming like procedural
• What is the purpose of validation and verification in programming?

  To ensure the program works as intended
• What is the role of testing and debugging?

  To spot and fix errors in code
• What are the key aspects of evaluation and reflection in programming?

  • Evaluating solutions for effectiveness
  • Reflecting on the development process
  • Adapting solutions based on feedback
• What factors might be considered in evaluating a program's effectiveness?

  Speed, accuracy, and maintainability
• Why is it important to reflect on the development process?

  To learn from successes and problems encountered
• How can solutions be adapted in programming?

  By making changes based on assessment and feedback
• What is important to remember about the stages of problem-solving?

  • They are not discrete stages
  • Often iterative and interactive
  • Revisit and revise as needed
• What is the main goal of problem solving in programming?

  To develop a solution for an issue
• What is decomposition in problem solving?

  Breaking a problem into smaller tasks
• What are algorithms used for in programming?

  Step-by-step instructions for solving problems
• What are the three main components of an algorithm?

  Input, process, and output
• What types of algorithms are commonly used in programming?

  Iterative and recursive algorithms
• How do iterative algorithms function?

  They use loops to perform actions repeatedly
• What is recursion in programming?

  A function calling itself within its own code
• Why is it important to test algorithms?

  To ensure efficiency and accuracy
• What is abstraction in problem solving?

  Removing unnecessary details to simplify problems
• What does a 'top down' approach in problem solving involve?

  Breaking down a large problem into smaller ones
• What is a 'bottom up' approach in problem solving?

  Solving the smallest problems first
• What tools are often used to visually represent solutions in programming?

  Pseudocode and flowcharts
• What is prototyping in software development?

  Creating a simplified version of software
• What is debugging in programming?

  Identifying and fixing errors in code
• What is the dry run technique used for?

  Verifying the correctness of algorithms
• What are the key concepts in problem solving in programming?

  • Problem identification
  • Decomposition
  • Algorithms (iterative and recursive)
  • Abstraction
  • Testing for efficiency and accuracy
  • Debugging
  • Prototyping
  • Visual representation (pseudocode and flowcharts)
• What does concurrent thinking facilitate?

  Multiple tasks occurring side by side
• How does concurrent thinking improve system efficiency?

  By enabling tasks to operate simultaneously
• What is the difference between parallelism and concurrency?

  Parallelism executes computations simultaneously; concurrency composes independent processes
• What does synchronous processing refer to?

  Tasks dependent on each other in execution order
• What are threads in concurrent thinking?

  Smaller units of a process that run concurrently
• What are deadlocks and live locks?

  Situations where process executions are halted due to circular dependencies