Introduction to Python and Algorithmic Thinking

Algorithms and Computational Thinking

• An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem or complete a task.
• Computational thinking is the process of breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts to develop solutions.

Representing Algorithms

• Algorithms can be represented in various forms, such as flowcharts, pseudocode, and programming languages.
• Each representation has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Input, Process, Output

• Input refers to the data or information entered into an algorithm.
• Process describes the set of instructions that are executed to transform the input into output.
• Output is the result or outcome of the algorithm's processing.

Python Programming

• Python is a high-level programming language used for developing algorithms and computational thinking.
• Python programming involves writing sequences of instructions to execute a task.

Sequence, Selection, Iterations

• A sequence is a series of instructions that are executed one after another.
• Selection involves making decisions based on conditions or rules, using statements such as IF-THEN.
• Iterations, or loops, allow a set of instructions to be repeated until a condition is met.

Variables

• Variables are used to store and manipulate data in a program.
• Variables have a name, data type, and value.

Selection

• Selection involves making decisions based on conditions or rules, using statements such as IF-THEN.
• Selection statements are used to control the flow of a program.

Data Types

• Data types determine the type of data that can be stored in a variable, such as numbers, text, or booleans.
• Different data types have different operations and rules.

Iteration

• Iterations, or loops, allow a set of instructions to be repeated until a condition is met.
• Iterations can be used to execute a block of code repeatedly.

Computer Systems

• A computer system consists of hardware, software, and users, working together to process, store, and communicate information.

Input and Output

• Input devices allow users to provide data and instructions to the computer, examples include keyboards, mice, and scanners.
• Output devices display or produce the results of the computer's processing, examples include monitors, speakers, and printers.

RAM vs ROM

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary storage for data and applications, its contents are lost when the power is turned off.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is permanent storage for data and applications, its contents are retained even when the power is turned off.

Secondary Storage

• Secondary storage devices, such as hard drives, solid state drives, and flash drives, hold data and programs when the computer is turned off.

CPU

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer, executing instructions and performing calculations.

Operating System

• An Operating System (OS) manages the computer's hardware and software resources, providing a platform for running applications.

What is Binary

• Binary is a number system using only two digits: 0 and 1, used by computers to represent and process information.

Binary Maths

• Binary maths involves performing arithmetic and logical operations on binary numbers, using rules such as AND, OR, and NOT.

Data Sizes

• Common data sizes include bits (0 or 1), bytes (8 bits), kilobytes (1024 bytes), megabytes (1024 kilobytes), and gigabytes (1024 megabytes).