Distinction level work, written in accordance with the Pearsons Information Technology specifications
Unit 4
This assignment covers:
-Explain how computational thinking skills are applied in finding solutions that can be interpreted into software applications.
-Explain how principles of ...
p3 explain how the principles of software design are used to produce high quality software applications that meet the needs of user
explain how principles of computer programming are applied in diffe
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BTEC
PEARSON (PEARSON)
Information Technology 2016/2017 NQF
Unit 4 - Programming
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Introduction
As a junior employee, at a small business that deals with software development, I have been invited
to give a lecture for the guests about programming. I have been provided with a portfolio of
computer programs, and my task is to investigate the programs, in terms of their design and
concepts to create a knowledge base in advance for my visit.
A.P1 Explain how computational thinking skills are applied in finding
solutions that can be interpreted into software applications.
Computational thinking is a methodology applied by computer programmers, as a technique with
the desired aim to finding a solution to a specific problem. This methodology is based around
analysing the issues and processes, to come up with a solution that can be later converted and
applied within software development of applications. There are four processes, that this
methodology can be split into, and they are decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and
algorithms. These four stages all have a vital role in finding a solution when analysing a problem
using this method. The four stages include:
Decomposition:
Decomposition is all about decomposing a problem. In this instance this is about, breaking down a
problem into smaller parts so that it’s easier to control them and so that they do not all have to be
managed and dealt with at a singular time which would make things more complicated. This also
means that smaller parts can be analysed individually, in more detail. Such as when making a cup of
tea, there is either the individual process that the person can think about or they can consider
splitting it into individual steps such as pick a cup, pour water into the kettle, boil the water, put the
teabag into the cup and pour the water into the cup. This way a person can exactly see if they are
going wrong, and they can identify a specific stage where they have gone wrong. The same
principles apply when programming
Pattern Recognition:
Pattern recognition in programming is all about noticing specific details that seem to be reoccurring
within the problem. This stage normally occurs after the user has decomposed the problem, this is
because the problem has been split into stages meaning that it is easier to spot those kinds of details
in simpler problems, within programming those kinds of details are called similarities and
differences, these can affect the overall functionality of a program as individual differences can be
the things that determine if a solution works or not. In addition, based on the patterns noticed the
user can make predictions and assumptions on how to make a reasonable a suitable program that
will be fulfilling the requirements. Referring to an example from decomposition, a pattern may be if
the person adds sugar or milk to their tea. These subtle differences may affect the overall outcome,
as well as the similarities can help the user make assumptions regarding the final outcome.
Abstraction:
Abstraction is all about filtering information. In computer programming, the user will select the
specific information required to solve the problem. This is applied to ensure that the user is not
wasting their time, or being distracted by information that seems irrelevant to the overall solution.
Abstraction is necessary so that a person has specific details to come up with a solution. Referring to
the example from decomposition, when making the tea the information that is irrelevant to the
, overall outcome may be things such as the colour of the cup, or the type of kettle used. This
information is then excluded from possible solution as it is irrelevant to it, because the fact that the
user uses a gas kettle instead of an electric kettle will not change the tea is made or not. In
programming this is very useful, because the user already has to process a lot of information
meaning that its deducting the amount of work the user do when processing all of the data required
to find the solution.
Algorithms:
Algorithms are plans that help the programmer to find a way that’s leading to the solution of the
problem. In many cases, these plans are done as flow charts or pseudo codes expressing instructions
on how to resolve a problem. These are written in standard English to ensure anyone else can read
it, and apply it without the need to know the technical parts. In programming, a computer can only
understand instructions that are very straight forward, therefore these algorithms tend to be
detailed. Algorithms that are within programming tend to contain variables which store data,
constants the parameters that stay the same, key processes showcasing what processes are
occurring, repeated processes because sometimes in order to reach a solution a specific process has
to be repeated e.g entering the correct password, as well as inputs which allow the user to input
things and outputs which allow the user to grasp an understanding of what’s happening. Referring to
the example showcased in the definition variable is water, constant is the teabag, a process is
pouring water, input may refer to the amount of milk/sugar added and the output is the final
product.
Decomposition can be applied in software development at the at the start in figuring out the
problem. Abstraction can be applied in software development to figure out what the problem is and
what are the requirements. Then algorithms can be applied to find the most efficient solution to the
problem. Finally, pattern recognition can be applied in software development to confirm the
programs functionality, as well as locate any possible errors within the program (can apply to the
interface as well as the code).
Variables:
Variables are existent in every programming language as they store data, in RAM when the program
is run. Variables tend to have different types of identity which often depends on how much memory
the user has and how much can be used as these types use up different amounts. These types are
Character which stores all sorts of singular characters, String stores words, letters, numbers and
decimals, Integer stores only numbers no decimals, Real stores approximation of a number, Boolean
used to store true/false value, Decimal stores only decimal and Byte stores 1 byte of information. It
is important that the selected variable is suitable and correct for its purpose, if not the program
could not function at all or have some errors in between. Variables are declared differently
dependent on a language such as in VB.Net variables are defined as DIM meaning Define in memory,
where as in another language they are defined as VAR. Variables have different visibility often
referred as the “Scope of Variables” across the program, such as there are Global variables which
can be seen all the way across the program and can be modified, Local can only be seen in local
procedures and cannot be modified outside of that, Constant variable stays constant as the value
does not change ever whereas, static variables can be seen everywhere within the program but can
only be modified in the procedure initially created.
Characteristics of languages.
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