Unit4: programming
Assignment 1
Introduction
I work as a junior employee for a software development company. And I have this amazing
chance. The local college has kindly invited my company to present a guest lecturer on
programming as a way of showcasing its competence. With this invitation, I embark on an
exciting voyage of discovery and arm myself with an extensive collection of computer
programs. In order to get ready for this exciting tour, my supervisor has given me the task of
investigating these programs, exploring the fundamental ideas that led to their
development, and building a strong knowledge foundation. I initiate my job by going over
the computer programs that I have been given and researching programming languages and
the ways in which programming concepts have been used to create useful applications. To
initiate this, I utilise Microsoft word.
What is programming?
Programming is a fundamental technological process that enables computers to solve
problems by executing specific tasks. It can be best described as a peaceful partnership
between humans and computers, where humans craft instructions (known as code)
in a language that computers can understand and execute.
Programming plays a crucial role in enhancing various aspects of our lives.
An instance of this could be when a person is surfing a web page, seeking
information, reaching out to service providers, or even making online
, purchases. This person can effortlessly engage with the website’s interactive features
like sign-up or purchase buttons, contact forms, and convenient drop-down menus.
It is like having a smooth conversation with the site itself.
The programming codes behind a mobile application enables users to effortlessly
order food, book a hotel, track your bank, track your fitness, access media,
and much more. It is like having a personal assistant right at your fingertips!
Programming is a game-changer for businesses, enabling them to operate
with greater efficiency through the use of various software tools. These tools
include file storage and automation software, as well as video conferencing tool that
connect people from all corners of the globe.
Aim:1
Computational Thinking
Utilising computers to help solve problems is known as computational thinking. It includes
using a variety of strategies to solve the issue and understand its nature. These strategies
can be expressed in a way that both computers and people can comprehend. To attain
understanding, it is important that all sides have a clear grasp of the problem. By
understanding the core of complex problems and coming up with acceptable solutions,
computational thinking enables us to take on challenging tasks. Understanding the four basic
foundation of computational thinking-shown in the diagram- is crucial before diving deeper.
The basis for computational thinking consists of these four parts.
Decomposition
Pattern Computational
recognition Abstraction
thinking
Algorithms
1: Decomposition
Decomposition is the process of disassembling a complicated issue or
system into smaller, easier-to-manage. A problem can become much
more difficult and complex to solve if it is not broken down into its
,component parts. Moreover, it is far more difficult to attempt to solve several stages at once
than to break the problem down into smaller components and solve each one separately.
We can investigate a problem more thoroughly and precisely when we divide it up into
smaller, more manageable parts. To illustrate it more, let’s look at the task of handling a
crime to demonstrate the idea of decomposition. In order to break down this problem into
smaller questions and solve it more efficiently, a police officer needs to be knowledgeable
about the following questions:
What specific crime has been committed? when did the crime occur? where did the crime
take place? what evidence is available? were there any witnesses? have there been any
recent similar crimes? By breaking down the complex issue of the committed crime into
more manageable components, each aspect can be thoroughly examined and analysed. By
utilising decomposition, we can enhance our problem-solving abilities and achieve more
effective and efficient solution.
2: Pattern Recognition
Pattern recognition is the next part. Finding and analysing patterns and similarities within a
given problem is known as pattern recognition. We frequently find pattern among these
smaller problems by breaking down complex issues into smaller problems. These patterns
are basically similarities or characteristics that certain problems might share. It is important
to recognise these patterns because they make the current task easier. When two problems
share a pattern, solving them becomes much simpler because we use the same approach
everywhere the pattern appears. Finding recurring patterns in complex issues helps us
navigate them more quickly and effectively, which saves time and effort. Pattern recognition
is similar to discovering a shortcut to problem solving.
3: Abstraction
The following part is Abstraction. It all comes down to concentrating only on the details that
matter and ignoring the rest. By identifying patterns in our issues, abstraction allows us to
, collect the essential elements and eliminate the unnecessary details. This aids in our ability
to understand the problems at hand and come up with an acceptable solution. This basic
understanding is what I call a “mode”. To further simplify I will use this example. I have to
know how to operate my fancy coffee maker If I want to make coffee with it. I just grab some
water and coffee beans, press the switch, and choose the kind of coffee I am craving. It is
really that easy. The interesting thing is that I don’t have to be an expert on coffee to enjoy a
hot cup of joe or understand every complicated aspect of how the machine operates. My
only task is to engage with a user-friendly interface that manages all the technical details.
4: Algorithms
The final part is Algorithm. Algorithm are tactical plans made up
of a set of sequential instructions meant to address a particular
issue. As human, we have to write computer programs in order
to get our computers to do certain tasks. This application acts as
a guide, telling the computer exactly what we need to do and
how to do it. Most of time, algorithms are shown as flowcharts
and are the starting point of creating computer programs. It is
important to understand that the quality of the algorithms
supplied to computers has a significant impact on their
efficiency. Computer with a faulty algorithm should naturally
expect results that are not ideal. Algorithm can be used for
different purposes such as calculations, data processing and
automation.
How we use computational thinking skills to solve the problems?
Those who are computational thinkers are capable of innovating and solving problems. For
instance, when we face with a challenge, it made us to approach it from a different
perspective, which allows us to think creatively and ultimately come up with creative
approaches. This process turns us into creators by requiring us to perform in-depth research
and enabling us to work with computers in an efficient manner. The skills that the younger
generation needs to succeed in today’s technologically advanced society and get ready for
future career opportunities are provided by computational thinking. There is no denying that
technology will play a significant part in jobs in the future. As a result, teaching
computational thinking to people at a young age has many benefits because it will enable
them to understand the ideas quickly and easily.
Example of decomposition in code pieces
In essence. Decomposition is the process of breaking down something into its most basic
and simpler parts. By dividing complex information into manageable parts, this method gives
programmers the tools they need to become improved learners, which is extremely helpful