Ch. 7: Problem Solving and Algorithms

What is an algorithm?

A set of steps for solving a problem in a finite amount of time using a finite amount of data

What are the four phases of the computer problem solving process?

Analysis & Specification Phase




Algorithm Development




Implementation Phase




Maintenance Phase

What do you do during the Analysis and Specification Phase?

In this phase you analyze and understand the problem, and specify the problem your program is trying to solve.

What do you do during the Algorithm Development Phase?

In this phase you develop a logical sequence of steps to be used to solve the problem. Then you follow those steps to see if it truly solves the problem.

What do yo do during the Implementation Phase?

In this phase you translate the algorithm into a programming language. Then you test the code, check the results, and make corrections when needed.

What do you do during the Maintenance phase?

In this phase you use the program and modify the program to meet changing requirements or to correct any errors.

What is a simple variable?

A simple variable is a variable that holds simple components and cannot be broken down into further elements. They occupy one storage location in memory.

What are some examples of simple variables?

Some examples of them are integers, strings, boolean values, and floating point numbers.

What is a count controlled loop?

A loop that repeats a process for a specific amount of times.

What are the three parts of a count controlled loop?

Loop Controlled Variable,




Testing




Incrementation

What is a Loop Controlled Variable?

A variable initialized to a starting value that is incremented in the body of a loop and checked at its beginning.

What is the Testing part of a count controlled loop?

This is when the while loop tests to see whether a loop controlled variable has reached a set limit.

What is the Incrementation part of a count controlled loop?

This is when the loop controlled variable is incremented towards its limit every time the program is ran.

What is an Event Controlled Loop?

A loop in which the number of repetitions is controlled by an event that occurs within the body of the loop itself.

What are the three aspects of an Event Controlled Loop?

Initializing the event




Testing the event




Updating the event

What is a Composite Variable?

A variable that can hold multiple values or collection of values.

What is an array?

A named collection of homogenous items in which items are accessed by their place within the collection.

What is a record?

A named collection of heterogenous items in which items are accessed by their name. Good for bundling items that relate to the same object.