2.1.3 Thinking Procedurally

Question 1

What is Procedural Thinking

Answer 1

• Procedural thinking is the process of thinking through a problem and developing a sequence of steps that can be used to reach the solution
• A programmer can use a procedural programming language to create a seqence of instructions to be followed by the comp.

Question 2

A procedural language carries out steps in an order. The order in which these steps are carried out in is defined by what 3 constructs

Answer 2

• Sequence:
  
  • Dictates that steps will be carried out in the order they are given.
• Selection:
  
  • Allows the programmer to choose to execute 1 instruction based on a condition that arises during the execution of preveious instructions.
• Iteration:
  
  • Allows the programmer to repeat the same instruction a certain number of times or if a condition is met.

Question 3

What is Identifying the components of a solution

Answer 3

• Identifying the main components of a problem is a key step towards solving it.
• The process involves thinking through the problem. What needs to be achieved?, What actions would any solution need to carry out?
• The 2nd step in identifying the components of the problem is to break down the description into individual sentences. (Different stages of the problem) Then break down further

Question 4

What is Identifying the components of a solution to a problem

Answer 4

• Means identifying which steps need to be followed in order to reach a solution.
• The best way to identify these steps is by thinking through a possible solution and writing the actions that need to be carried out in order to achieve.
• For each major component of the problem. Make a list of key steps for each.
• This process is repeated for each part of the problem and will give a complete list of all components and solutions for each

Question 5

What is determining the order of the steps needed to solve the problem

Answer 5

• Next stage is to determine order in which steps are taken, In particular how to move between the different components.
• Best way to achieve this is to produce a flowchart of each component and the steps for solution.
• Final stage is to combine these separate flowcharts together to form a complete solution. Some can be joined/others merged togetehr.

Question 6

What are sub-procedures

Answer 6

• A sub-procedure is a sequence of steps grouped together and given its own name.
• These sub-procedures can then be called (using their name) from the main procedure whenever functionality offered is needed.

Question 7

What are the advantages of using sub-procedures

Answer 7

• Once it is decided what sub-procedures are needed, each procedure can be worked on by a different programmer. Solved faster
• Sub-procedures can be coded by programmers who are experienced in areas. Can be written in different languages before being compiled
• Reduce Repetition and the size of the final program. Sub-procedures can be called from anywhere else in the program.
• Makes it easy to debug and maintain a program. Easy to find which sub-procedure has mistake
• Procedure is easy to follow less likely for mistakes.

Question 8

How do you identify the sub-procedures necessary to solve a problem

Answer 8

• Look for sequences of steps that are repeated or are very similar at different points in the flowchart.

Question 9

What are the different steps of thinking procedurally and procedural thinking

Answer 9

• Identifying the components of a problem
• Identifying components of a solution to the problem (bullet point list)
• To determine order of steps needed to solve the problem (flowchart)
  How to identify the sub-procedures necessary