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Glossary:

Algorithm : A set of instructions to be followed to complete a given task or solve a problem.

Flowchart: A diagram that shows an algorithm or process made up of boxes representing steps, decision, inputs and outputs.

Computational thinking: The thought process of taking a problem, working out how it can be calculated by a computer, and finding a solution.

Sequence: The order which the computer will run code in, one line at a time.

Comparative operators

==

Equal to

!=

Not equal to

>

Greater than

<

Less than

>=

Greater than or equal to

<=

Less than or equal to

Ways of solving problems:

Year 8 – HT1 – Flowcharts, Algorithms and Sorting

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Choosing a sensible password

Glossary

Decisions: is a construct in a computer program that allows the program to make a decision and change its behaviour based on a condition

Sequence: one step is completed before the next step can be taken

Selection: Decision taken between 2 options

Pseudo code: a notation resembling a simplified programming language, used in program design. Set of step by step instructions

Iteration: A part of a program that repeats

Array: An array is like a big table that can hold a series of pieces of data one after the other (think spreadsheet column).

Decomposition: breaking a large problem into small chunks so you can deal with each small problem at a time

Abstraction: removing unnecessary detail from a problem so you deal with just the core problem without all the distractions

Flow chart shapes

Linear search example

Suitable for large set of data because it eliminates half the list at each turn

Suitable for small set of data because it goes through each item one after the other

Year 8 – HT1 – Flowcharts, Algorithms and Sorting

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Year 8 HT2 – Textual programming

Glossary:

Python: A programming language used to write programs.

Shell: The place where code is run.

Sequence: Selects a pathways through the code based on whether a condition is true.

Function:

A collection of code that works outside the main program. These are created to speed up programming. They can be called from a single line of code at any time.

Syntax: The punctuation/way that code has to be written so that the computer can understand it. Each programming language has its own syntax.

Code: The instructions that a program uses.

Programming:

The process of writing computer programs