Introduction to Computational Thinking

Flashcards covering key concepts from the introduction to computational thinking.

Computational Thinking (CT)

A problem-solving approach that involves designing solutions so that a computer (or human) can execute them effectively.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a computation.

Procedure

A concrete implementation of an algorithm (e.g., a function or method in code).

Program

Is the actual implementation of an algorithm using programming language

Problem Decomposition

Breaking a complex problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems for easier solving.

Modular Programming

Is a programming approach where a large program is divided into smaller, manageable, and independent parts called module.

Abstraction

Focusing on essential details while ignoring unnecessary information.

Automation

Using computers or algorithms to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.

Simulation

Creating a computational model of a real or theoretical system to study its behavior over time.

Parallelization

Dividing a task into smaller tasks that run simultaneously to solve problems faster.

Data Collection

The process of gathering, organizing, and interpreting data for computational purposes.

Data Representation

The method of storing and organizing data in various forms like numbers, strings, or objects.

Data Analysis

The process of sorting, searching, and identifying patterns in the collected data.

Finiteness

A characteristic of an algorithm that ensures it terminates after a finite number of steps.

Definiteness

A characteristic of an algorithm where each step is precisely defined.

Effectiveness

A property of algorithm steps that must be basic enough to be executed manually or computationally.

Input and Output

Accepts input and produces output

Modular Programming

A programming approach where a large program is divided into smaller, manageable, and independent parts called modules.

Multithreading

It allows a program to execute multiple tasks concurrently in a single JVM

Distributed System

Involves multiple computers (nodes) working together to perform a tasks

Pseudocode

A high-level description of an algorithm that uses plain language and is easily understandable.

Flowchart

A diagram-based representation of a process or algorithm.

Data Parallelism

Performing the same operation on different pieces of data simultaneously.

Task Parallelism

Different tasks performed at the same time rather than the same tasks on different data.