CP1 UNIT1

Computer

an electronic device that accepts data from the user, processes it, produces results, displays them to the users, and stores the results for future usage.

Data

a collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not provide any further information regarding patterns, context, etc. Hence it means "unstructured facts and figures".

Information

a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and processed data.

Hardware

refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. It consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computer’s operation, input and output.

Computer hardware

a collection of several components working together. It is made up of CPU and peripherals.

Software

A set of instructions that drives computer to do stipulated tasks is called a program.

System Software

operates directly on hardware devices of computer. It provides a platform to run an application. It provides and supports user functionality.

Application software

designed for benefit of users to perform one or more tasks.

Processing

is controlled by a set of detailed step by step instructions.

Programming

The procedure of developing the detailed instructions for the computer.

Problem definition step

means that there should be clear understanding of the problem.

Program coding

the step which translates the logic of the program based on the pseudo-code (algorithm) or flowcharts into a high level programming language using the syntax and semantics of the specific language.

Program testing

consists of desk checking, debugging and running real data to make sure that the program works.

Desk checking

is just reading through or checking the program manually to ensure that it’s free from errors and the logic works.

Debugging

means detecting, locating and removing errors in the computer program.

Documenting the program

consists of the written descriptions of what the program is all about and how to use it.

Write user documentation

This is the manual that is prepared to help the user use the programs.

Write operator documentation

This manual gives the computer operator information on what to do when the program flashes an error message.

Write program documentation

The program documentation consists of the testing of the whole programs. This documentation helps train the new programmers to maintain existing system. Maintenance here means keeping the programs in working conditions, error free and up to date.

Program logic formulation

a step-by-step development of a solution to a given problem.

Flowchart

consists of boxes with different shapes that contain simple statements or sentence commonly called instructions and connect together by lines.

Display

Indicates data on any medium that displays information used by human beings, such as monitor

Terminal Symbol

This oval, which contains either the word start or the word stop, indicates the starting and stopping point in the flowchart.

Input

means to enter data into a computer or to use the computer to read the available data from magnetic disk.

Output

means to display the result of compilation or condition of the given solution.

Processing Symbol

This rectangle is used for ay data processing operations for which requirements of the problem are usually done here.

Decision Symbol

This diamond-shaped symbol contains a condition. If the condition is true, the marked path TRUE is to be followed.

Arrowheads/Flow

used to direct the flow of the flowchart. It shows the flow of the solution.

Connector(s)

It is used as a continuation symbol of a flowchart. It shows the flow of the solution.

Initialization/Preparation Symbol

It is used to initialize variables not explicitly defined in the input but a requirement in the production of the output

System Flowchart

indicates a flowchart for a targeted system as a whole.

Program Flowchart

is used to describe processing procedures based on detailed analysis.

Structured Flowchart

An orderly, understandable and clear solution. Design using the three most basic methods of control.

Sequential

steps are performed in a strictly sequential manner, each step being executed exactly once. This is the simplest method of control.

Selection Structure

One of several alternative actions is selected and executed. It involves the use of decision based on the given condition. It use decision block or the diamond-shaped block. Alternative action will be represented by a processing block.

Repetition Structure

One or more steps is performed repeatedly.