Algorithm - A sequence of steps to carryout a particular task.
Expressing an algorithm:
- Structured English - language to describe an algorithm
- pseudo code - Program written in non-syntax specific language pseudo code
- Flowchart - Using symbols and flow indicators to represent an algorithm
Key terms:
- Assignment - A value is given an <identifier> or name and assigned a value
- Sequence - A number of steps are performed, one after another
- Selection - Under certain circumstances steps are followed, but if not then sometimes other steps are followed
- Repetition - Steps are repeated a number of times
Computer system =
INPUT - PROCESS - OUTPUT
VARIABLE - memory location of some information, normally given a useful name
guesses = 0
guesses = guesses_one
Involves use of a third temporary variable, values can then be inter-changed without overwriting
A list of variables and what is assigned to each