Lower Secondary 8 Computing: Algorithms, Flowcharts, and Pseudocode

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering algorithms, flowchart symbols, pseudocode syntax, variables, assignment, operators, and Python conditionals for Lower Secondary 8 Computing.

Algorithm

A step-by-step set of clear, ordered, and precise instructions or rules designed to solve a problem or complete a task.

Algorithm Components

The three essential parts of any algorithm: inputs (data entered into the system), steps (ordered processes or decisions), and outputs (results sent out or displayed).

Flowchart

A visual diagram that depicts a process, system, or computer algorithm using standardized geometric shapes connected by directional arrows.

Flowchart Symbols

Standardized shapes used to map program logic: an oval represents start/end; a parallelogram represents input/output; a rectangle represents a process; a diamond indicates a decision; and arrows connect the shapes showing program flow.

Oval (Flowchart)

A flowchart shape used as a terminator to represent the start or end point of an algorithm (such as START or STOP).

Parallelogram (Flowchart)

A flowchart shape representing an input operation (getting data from the user) or an output operation (displaying results).

Rectangle (Flowchart)

A flowchart shape representing a process or action, such as calculations, data manipulation, or internal operations.

Diamond (Flowchart)

A flowchart shape that indicates a decision or condition, asking a question that branches the flow into multiple paths (such as YES/NO or TRUE/FALSE).

Pseudocode

A structured, readable description of an algorithm written in simplified English that bridges the gap between a flowchart design and real program code.

High-Level Programming Language

A programming language, such as Python, designed with human-readable syntax to allow programmers to communicate easily with computers.

Language Independent

A characteristic of pseudocode meaning it does not follow the syntax of any single programming language, allowing programmers of different languages to collaborate and translate it.

Syntax

The formal rules governing the arrangement of words, phrases, and punctuation symbols required by a programming language.

Programming Constructs

The three fundamental building blocks used to control program execution: sequence, selection, and iteration.

Sequence

A programming construct where instructions execute strictly one after another in order from top to bottom.

Selection

A programming construct that checks a condition and decides which branch of instructions to run using conditional statements such as IF, THEN, and ELSE.

Iteration

A programming construct that repeats a set of steps or instructions multiple times in a loop (such as WHILE or FOR loops).

Variable

A named location in a computer's memory used to store one item of data that can change as the program executes.

Identifier

The name assigned to a variable or subroutine; in pseudocode and Python, it must be one word without spaces, cannot start with a number or symbol, and cannot be a reserved keyword.

Reserved Keywords

A set of protected words (such as the $31$ Python keywords including if, else, while, print, and def) that have specific functions and cannot be used as variable identifiers.

Assignment

The operation of storing a value into a variable, represented in pseudocode by an arrow ($\leftarrow$) or equals sign ($=$), with the variable identifier on the left and the data on the right.

String

A sequence of one or more characters treated as text, delineated in algorithms and code by double quotation marks.

Concatenation

The process of joining two or more text strings together into one continuous string using symbols such as a comma ($,$), plus sign ($+$), or ampersand ($\&$).

Arithmetic Operators

Symbols used to perform mathematical operations on numeric values: addition ($+$), subtraction ($-$), multiplication ($*$), and division ($/$).

Comparison Operators

Operators that compare two values and always return either TRUE or FALSE: greater than ($>$), less than ($<$), greater than or equal to ($>=$), less than or equal to ($<=$), equal to ($==$), and not equal to ($!=$).

Logical AND

A logical operator that joins two conditions, evaluating to TRUE only when both individual conditions are TRUE at the same time.

Tracing

A structured method of following an algorithm line by line in order, recording inputs, calculating expressions, and updating variable values at each assignment step to predict the output.

Debugging

The process of finding logic errors or bugs in an algorithm or program, understanding why they occur, correcting them, and testing the solution again.

Boundary Value

A test value selected right at the edge or threshold of a condition (such as testing $100$ when the condition is $score \ge 100$) to verify that inclusive comparisons function correctly.

Indentation (Python)

The required leading whitespace (typically four spaces) in Python that specifies which statements belong to an IF or ELSE code block.