2.1.3 Thinking Procedurally

Question 1

What is the point of this topic?

Answer 1

Identify the problems and subproblems to a problem ,components of solution as-well as determining order of putting them together

Question 2

What is decomposition?

Answer 2

the act of breaking down a complicated problem into smaller more manageable sub-tasks

Question 3

What is it named when a result of decomposition can’t be broken any further?

Answer 3

It is said to be atomic

Question 4

What is a top down design?

Answer 4

decomposition of a system, it is a visual method of showing smaller more manageable tasks

Question 5

What are the advantages of decomposition?

Answer 5

• Tasks required are easy to tackle on their own and more possible
• Clear on what needs to be accomplished
• Simpler to test and maintain
• Solutions to small tasks can be reusable
• More people can work on project
• Easier to modify

Question 6

What are disadvantages of decomposition?

Answer 6

• Solutions to sub problems may not produce solution required initially
• A misunderstood problem can be broken down with faults or hard to break down

Question 7

What is a hierarchy chart?

Answer 7

A visual tool for representing the structure of a program showing modules working together.

Question 8

Is a hierarchy chart the same as a top down design? why

Answer 8

No, hierarchy shows connections between modules rather thank tasks.

Question 9

What do both hierarchy chart and top down design look like?

Answer 9

Upside down tree structure.

Question 10

What can the order of steps to reach solution be dependent upon?

Answer 10

Software development technique e.g. spiral

Question 11

Why is allocation of tasks hard?

Answer 11

As some modules require other modules to already be solved and therefore can’t be worked on simultaneously.Some modules may take longer or require more people to work on it at once.

Question 12

What is the aim of ordering steps to be taken to reach solution?

Answer 12

So that when seperate modules identified in decomposition can be put together with no delay waiting on one part.

Question 13

What is the sole aim?

Answer 13

To minimise wasted time and come up with a solution in the quickest time possible.

Question 14

After getting separate modules from decomposition what do we need to do ?

Answer 14

We need to identify components required in each module, there need to undergo validation checks? e.g. first name of user

Question 15

What is a trace table?

Answer 15

Technique of dry run testing a program by hand. Variables are recorded as they change. It makes it easier to identify errors (logic ones).

Question 16

Why am i mentioning a trace table in this topic?

Answer 16

It can be used to determine order of steps or check if works correctly with no logic errors.

Question 17

What are the advantages of sub-procedures or modules from decomposition?

Answer 17

• Makes main routine less complex
• This module or sub procedure can be reused
• Can be treated as something with its own task leading to likely improved solution if developed as stand alone task

Question 18

How would i undergo data validation?

Answer 18

Determing valid,invalid and borderline(extreme) data.

Question 19

What is composition?

Answer 19

Opposite of decomposition, it is the combining of components identified in decomposition.

Question 20

What are the advantages of composition?

Answer 20

Reduces number of procedures that complete a similar task and results in better structured solution

Question 21

Why do we use the process of decomposition? general

Answer 21

To identify components of the problem