Algorithms & Programs

Describe the term Algorithm

• A sequence of instructions or a set of rules that are followed to complete a task 

• A sequence of unambiguous instructions 

• A well defined procedure that allows a computer to solve a problem 

• A set of mechanical or sequential steps that are followed in order to take some form of input 

Methods of Defining an Algorithm?

1. Pseudocode 

2. Flowcharts 

3. Structured English 

What is a variable?

A named location in the Computer's memory that the programmer can use to store data whilst the program is running.

 

They can change throughout the life of the program.

What is a Constant?

Similar to variables in the fact they can be used for storage of data but once we run the program a constants value can not change 

Example:  pi = 3.1415 

What is a Recursive Function?

It's a function that calls itself within itself until a base case is reached 

What are the limitations of using a recursive function?

1. You can run out of memory (stack space) due to high no. of recursive calls 

2. Difficult to debug (dry run) if it produces incorrect results due to the difficulty of determining which recursive cell made the error 

What’s a Factorial ?

It's any give number that can be calculated by multiplying the numbers below it 

 

example : 

Factorial of 6 or 6! 

= 6x5x4x3x2x1 == 720

What’s the difference between Validation & Verification checks

Validation checks occurs before  data is committed to storage it doesn't  account for the accuracy of data

Verification occurs after data is committed to storage