Thinking Procedurally

Question 1

What are the Elements of Thinking Procedurally

Answer 1

• Decomposition
• Order of Steps
• Components of a Process

Question 2

What is Problem Decomposition

Answer 2

A large, complex problem is continually broken down into smaller subproblems which can be solved more easily

Question 3

What is a Top-Down Design

Answer 3

• You start with a big problem and break it down into smaller and smaller problems

Question 4

What is the aim of Top-Down Designs

Answer 4

• Keep splitting problems into subproblems until each subproblem can be represented as a single task
• Each task can then be solved and developed as a subroutine by a different person
• Once programmed, subroutines can also be tested separately, before being brought together

Question 5

How do you identify the components of a solution

Answer 5

• In order to identify the components of the solution, each programmer must evaluate the component of the problem allocated to them and assess how it can best be solved
• For example through a procedure, function or database search

Question 6

How do you find the order of steps needed to solve a problem

Answer 6

• Some programs might require certain inputs to be entered by the user before the processing can be carried out
• Some inputs may require preconditions to be checked before hand
• Some subroutines may be able to be executed simultaneously within a program, and programmers must identify where this is possible by looking at the required inputs