40 Questions
What is one of the consequences of writing incorrect instructions for the computer?
The computer will give an error message or the wrong answer.
What is the process called for finding and correcting an error?
Debugging
In terms of computer languages, where do the differences lie?
In the format and setup (Syntax) of the instructions.
Which of the following tools is used to show the overall layout or structure of a solution?
Structure chart
What type of errors are some bugs a result of?
Syntax errors and logic errors
What tool is used to consolidate data for a problem?
IPO Chart
What does UML stand for in the context of programming?
Unified Modeling Language
What is the purpose of an IPO chart?
To designate input, processing, module number, and output.
What does a coupling diagram show the relationship between?
Modules and data needed for the modules
What happens if instructions are not properly sequenced?
The computer will execute them in the order given, potentially resulting in errors.
Which tool provides a graphic representation of the algorithms?
Flowcharts
Which of the following is NOT one of the objectives listed at the beginning of Chapter Three?
Understanding internal and external documentation
What is described as essentially the same in any computer language or application?
Meaning (semantic) of instructions
'A bug must be found and corrected' refers to what process?
Debugging
Which component is NOT designated by an IPO chart?
Error Handling
'The Data Dictionary lists all variable names and their definitions' is a statement related to which aspect of organizing a solution?
Data organization
What is the purpose of an IPO chart in programming?
To enable viewing a complex problem in simpler parts
Why is it important for algorithms to be executable one step at a time?
To prevent skipping steps and ensure completeness
How do algorithms relate to the structure chart in programming?
Algorithms are separate instructions for each module in the structure chart
Why is developing smaller, simpler parts of a program preferred over one large, complex program?
Because it helps in viewing a complex problem in simpler parts
What does the control module in algorithm writing use to signify the end of processing?
'End'
In programming, what is the purpose of using an interactivity chart?
To organize information in a problem analysis chart
Why must instructions in algorithms not assume anything?
To prevent errors and ensure completeness
What does an IPO chart provide more detail on?
'Input', 'Processing', and 'Output' details
What is the purpose of developing flowcharts from algorithms?
To create a graphical representation of the algorithms
What do flowcharts help in identifying?
Bugs in logic that may not be immediately apparent
Which type of documentation consists of remarks written within the program instructions?
Internal documentation
What is pseudocode similar to, but without numbers?
Algorithm
Which module is responsible for reading input data related to gross pay in a flowchart?
Gross Pay - Read Module
What do algorithms and flowcharts represent in organizing a solution?
Final steps
What can be easily tested using a flowchart according to the text?
A set of data
What does external documentation consist of according to the text?
Manuals or help menus about the solution
What are the four parts of a problem that should be separated when analyzing it according to the text?
Given data, required results, processing, solution alternatives
In the context of problem analysis charts (PAC), how is gross pay calculated for an employee?
By multiplying hours worked by the rate of pay
What formula is used in a Problem Analysis Chart (PAC) to find the area of a circle?
Area = pi * radius * radius
What is the purpose of an Interactivity Chart in problem-solving?
To divide the processing into subtasks and show interaction between them
What does the Control or Main module do in an Interactivity Chart?
Controls the flow to most of the other modules
What is one function that each module in an Interactivity Chart should accomplish?
Entering data, printing results, or calculating results
In a Problem Analysis Chart (PAC), what is the first part that needs to be separated to analyze a problem?
Given data
For the problem related to converting distance from miles to kilometers in a Problem Analysis Chart (PAC), what is the conversion factor used?
1.609 kilometers per mile
Study Notes
Problem Analysis
- A problem can be broken down into simpler parts to program smaller, simpler parts of a program
- The problem analysis chart (PAC) separates a problem into four parts:
- Given data
- Required results
- Processing required
- Solution alternatives
IPO Chart
- The IPO chart extends and organizes the information in the problem analysis chart
- It shows the input, processing, and output of a solution
- It also shows where in the solution the processing takes place
Interactivity Chart
- The interactivity chart (structure chart) divides the processing into subtasks called modules
- Each module contains tasks to accomplish one function, such as entering data, printing results, or calculating results
- One module controls the flow to most of the other modules, called the Control or Main module
Writing Algorithms
- After using the interactivity chart and the IPO chart, the next step is to develop sets of instructions for the computer, called algorithms
- The algorithms must be executable one step at a time, complete, and cannot assume anything or skip steps
- The modules are taken from the interactivity chart, and the processing is taken from the IPO chart
Analyzing the Problem
- A problem can be analyzed by separating it into four parts, shown in the problem analysis chart (PAC)
- Examples of problems include calculating gross pay, converting distance from miles to kilometers, and finding the area of a circle
Communicating with the Computer
- The computer does not speak English, so a programmer must learn its system of communication or language
- If the instructions are incorrect, the computer will give an error message, the wrong answer, or no answer at all
- Syntax refers to the rules governing the computer operating system, language, and application
Organizing the Solution
- A programmer organizes the solution by using tools such as:
- Problem analysis chart
- Structure chart or interactivity chart
- IPO chart
- Algorithms
- Flowcharts
- Pseudocode
- A coupling diagram shows the relationship between the modules and the data needed for the modules
- The Data Dictionary lists all variable names and their definitions
Drawing the Flowcharts
- Flowcharts are graphic representations of the algorithms
- The algorithms and the flowcharts are the final steps in organizing a solution
- Using them, the programmer can test the solution for bugs and go on to code the problem into a computer language
Pseudocode
- Pseudocode is similar to the algorithm without the numbers and somewhat condensed
- It is used to represent a language-like solution
Internal and External Documentation
- Internal documentation consists of remarks written with the instructions to explain what is being done in the program
- External documentation is made up of the manuals or help menus written about the solution
Learn about problem analysis through the Problem Analysis Chart (PAC) which breaks down a problem into given data, required results, processing needed, and solution alternatives. Explore an example calculation of an employee's gross pay using hours worked and rate of pay.
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