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PROBLEM SOLVING

We will learn the fundimental skills and methods of analysing a problem and working out a solution.





  1. Computational thinking:

    Using Modularisation, Top-Down and Bottom-Up approaches to solve a problem

    Decomposition of problems

    Abstraction of problems

    Pattern Recognition

  2. Algorithms

    Purpose of an algorithm

    Flowcharts

    Pseudocode

    Written Descriptions

    Extra Information


Computational Thinking




Computational thinking is a problem-solving and cognitive skill set that involves approaching complex problems in a way that a computer, or a human with a computational mindset, might tackle them.

Key components of computational thinking include:

  • Modularisation
  • Decomposition (Big part of Modularisation)
  • Abstraction
  • Pattern Recognition

  • By applying computational thinking to an overarching problem, you can understand what the problem is and what it consists of.


    Modularisation


    the APPROACH of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable "modules" or components.

    This approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the problem's requirements, facilitates the identification of patterns, and allows for the reuse and implementation of existing solutions.

    All of these modules work together to provide a solution to the initial problem, this strategy is often used in object oriented programming.


    Using Modularisation will allow you to Use Two Techniques, Top-Down and Bottom-Up approach.

    The top-down approach is a problem-solving or design strategy where you start by understanding the overall system or problem and then break it own into smaller, more manageable components or sub-problems.

    It involves decomposing a complex system or task into simpler and more understandable parts, and then addressing each part in a systematic way.

    The bottom-up approach is a problem-solving or design strategy where you start by understanding the smallest details or components of a system and then gradually build your way up to the overall solution. Instead of starting with a broadverview, you begin with the specifics and then integrate them into a larger framework

    Decomposition


    This is the technique of breaking a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts.

    These parts, often referred to as modules, can be developed independently and then integrated to form a complete solution.

    By using decomposition, complex problems become easier to solve, as each module addresses a specific part of the overall problem.
    Abstraction

    This is the approach of analyzing a problem and then removing all unimportant or low-priority parts to focus only on the essential aspects. This process helps in managing complexity by highlighting the crucial elements and ignoring the irrelevant details.
    Pattern recognition

    This involves identifying and analyzing recurring themes, features, or regularities in data or processes. When a problem is broken down into smaller, manageable modules, it often becomes easier to spot these patterns. Recognizing patterns can be crucial for problem-solving, as it allows for more efficient and effective solutions.



    Algorithmic Thinking

    When designing a solution we need to consider how we are going to take action to get the job done, One way of doing this is by using algorithmic thinking.

    An algorithm is a well-defined set of step-by-step instructions designed to solve a specific problem. It acts as a blueprint for your solution, guiding you through the process and helping you understand the necessary actions.

    Benefits of Algorithms:
  • Clarity: Provides a clear and unambiguous set of instructions.
  • Efficiency: Helps in optimizing the steps to achieve the best performance.
  • Reusability: Allows the same algorithm to be used for similar problems.


  • How Algorithmis are communicated:

    Flowcharts:
    Visual diagrams that represent the sequence of steps in an algorithm, using symbols to denote different types of actions and decisions.

    Written Descriptions:
    Detailed, step-by-step written explanations of the algorithm, often used to communicate the logic in a human-readable format.

    Pseudocode:
    A high-level description of the algorithm using a notation resembling programming languages. Pseudocode is used to plan and discuss algorithms before actual coding.

    Flowcharts:
    Visual diagrams that represent the sequence of steps in an algorithm, using symbols to denote different types of actions and decisions.

    Written Descriptions:
    Detailed, step-by-step written explanations of the algorithm, often used to communicate the logic in a human-readable format.

    Pseudocode:
    A high-level description of the algorithm using a notation resembling programming languages. Pseudocode is used to plan and discuss algorithms before actual coding.




    Extras

    Revision Questions :)



  • Understanding the Problem:
  • Define what it means to "understand the problem" in the context of software development.
  • Describe a situation where failing to properly understand the problem could lead to project failure.


  • Decomposing the Problem:
  • Explain the concept of problem decomposition.
  • Given a large problem, outline how you would decompose this into smaller, more manageable modules.


  • Pattern Recognition:
  • Define pattern recognition and explain its importance in problem-solving.
  • Provide an example of how pattern recognition might be used in software development.


  • Algorithmic Thinking:
  • What is algorithmic thinking, and why is it important in software development?


  • Designing Algorithms:
  • Describe the key characteristics of a good algorithm.


  • Flowcharts:
  • What are flowcharts, and how are they useful in representing algorithms?


  • Written Descriptions:
  • Explain how written descriptions can be used to convey algorithms.
  • Write a step-by-step description of an algorithm that determines if a word is a palindrome.


  • Pseudocode:
  • Define pseudocode and explain its benefits in the algorithm design process.
  • Write pseudocode for an algorithm that finds the largest number in an array.


  • Problem-Solving Techniques:
  • List and briefly describe three common problem-solving techniques used in software development.
  • Explain how these techniques can be applied to troubleshoot a software bug.


  • Algorithm Practice:
  • Write an algorithm to reverse a string.


  • Pseudocode Exercise:
  • Write pseudocode for an algorithm that calculates the average of a list of numbers.


  • Problem Decomposition:
  • Decompose the task of creating a simple calculator program (x,รท,+,-) into smaller modules.


  • Pattern Recognition:
  • Identify patterns in the following series and describe the next item: 2, 4, 8, 16, ...


  • Real-World Scenarios:
  • Describe how you would apply algorithmic thinking to automate a daily task you perform.





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