Fundamentals of algorithms

• What are algorithms in computing?

  Step-by-step plans for solving problems
• How can algorithms be represented?

  Using pseudo-code and flowcharts
• What is pseudo-code?

  • A method of writing instructions
  • Uses plain English
  • Helps plan a program before coding
• What is a flowchart?

  • A diagram showing step-by-step flow
  • Represents an algorithm visually
  • Also known as a flow diagram
• What is a statement in programming?

  The smallest element expressing an action
• What is the focus when designing algorithms?

  The logic of the steps involved
• What does it mean for an algorithm to be language independent?

  It can be translated into any programming language
• If an algorithm is designed in pseudo-code, what can it be translated into?

  Any programming language
• How do pseudo-code and flowcharts differ in representing algorithms?

  Pseudo-code uses text, flowcharts use diagrams
• What are algorithms in computing?

  Step-by-step plans for solving problems
• How can algorithms be designed?

  Using pseudo-code and flowcharts
• What is decomposition in programming?

  • Breaking down complex problems
  • Making them manageable and easier to understand
  • Involves smaller, solvable parts
• How would you break down the times table problem?

  num ← USERINPUT; FOR number ← 1 TO 10
• What is a subroutine in programming?

  A section of code outside the main program
• Why is decomposition useful for development teams?

  It allows work to be divided among members
• What is the key fact about decomposition?

  It breaks problems into manageable chunks
• What are the benefits of using subroutines?

  • Reusable code for similar problems
  • Easier to manage and debug
  • Facilitates teamwork in programming
• What are algorithms in computer science?

  Step-by-step plans for solving problems
• How can algorithms be designed?

  Using pseudo-code and flowcharts
• What is abstraction in problem-solving?

  • Process of removing unnecessary details
  • Focuses on important details
  • Makes problem-solving easier
• What details are omitted in the London Underground map?

  Real geographical location and distances
• Why is abstraction useful in journey planning?

  It simplifies the information needed for planning
• What are the components of the Bitesize menu?

  • Home
  • News
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  • Earth
  • Reel
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  • Future
  • Music
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  • Weather
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• What levels of education does Bitesize cover?

  • Early years
  • KS1
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  • GCSE
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  • Foundation Stage
  • National 4
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• What subjects are included in Bitesize?

  • All subjects
  • Primary games
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  • GCSE AQA
• What are the key topics in Computer Science on Bitesize?

  • Fundamentals of algorithms
  • Searching and sorting algorithms
  • Programming concepts
  • Programming languages
  • Data representation
• What is the purpose of the Bitesize platform?

  To provide study support and resources
• What does the term 'decomposition' refer to in algorithms?

  Breaking down problems into smaller parts
• What is pseudo-code used for?

  To outline algorithms in a simplified manner
• What is the significance of efficiency in algorithms?

  It determines how quickly an algorithm runs
• How does abstraction help in algorithm design?

  It allows focus on essential details only
• What are algorithms used for?

  Solving problems step-by-step
• How can algorithms be designed?

  Using pseudo-code and flowcharts
• What are the three main categories of processes in an algorithm?

  • Inputs
  • Processes
  • Outputs
• What does 'input' refer to in an algorithm?

  Data inserted into a system
• What does 'process' mean in an algorithm?

  An action taken by the program
• What does 'output' refer to in an algorithm?

  Data sent out of a system
• How are inputs, processes, and outputs identified in pseudo-code?

  Using key words in the code
• What is the pseudo-code for inputting a number and outputting its times table?

  num ← USERINPUT; FOR number ← 1 TO 10 OUTPUT number * num
• What does the symbol '←' represent in pseudo-code?

  Assignment of a variable's value