CS L6 Into U6 Summer Work

There are two parts to this work and you need to complete both.  If you are unable to do both, you must complete the Prolog tasks as a priority.

Prolog

Prolog is a declarative programming language, in the same way as HTML and SQL, etc.  It can be tricky at the start, but often features in the A2 Paper 4 exam.  

There will be a test on Prolog in the first half term of the A2 (most likely September)

Declarative programming is where you specify ‘what’ you want, without necessarily the ‘how’. It is a paradigm where you define relationships and quantify knowledge (facts) and understanding by declaring rules. The interpreter can then use this knowledge to solve different queries. It is not a paradigm used to create FIFA, but expert systems.

You need to: 

• Read chapter 29 (pp. 405 – 417)
  The book uses SWI, but you can use SWIsh (see Prolog tutorial page below)

• Go through the Prolog tutorial on the GSite (under Programming tutorials), linked from section 4.3.1

• Complete the Prolog worksheet (found under the Prolog tutorial)

Imperative Programming

You will be expected to be much more proficient in your use of Visual Basic/Python next year. I suggest you attempt one of the following programs listed below. Remember, Windows Forms are fun, but the exam will ONLY use console mode.

1. Create a typing test. There should be a set text on the screen (ideally loaded from a text file) and the user can be tested to get their average typing speed (characters per minute and accuracy). As the user types, you can (if using forms) have each character go blue if correct or red if they make a mistake.

2. Sometimes called a 15-puzzle, this is a small toy often made of plastic, with a 4×4 grid occupied by 15 pieces, each with a part of a picture or drawing on it. The game’s goal is to re-order the pieces by sliding them into the missing “hole” and complete the image. When the image is complete, the missing piece is usually in the lower right corner. Here is an example of a 9-puzzle. This will require forms programming. Extension: The user should be able to put their own picture up and select which square to remove.

3. This requires two computers. Using the .NET framework and the networking functionality, write a program that allows you to send a text message between two clients. You will need to research equivalent libraries if you want to do this in Python.

Alternatively, learn a different language (Python, C#, C++) by completing some coding challenges online.