GET THAT DISTINCTION!
UNIT 4: PROGRAMMING – ASSIGNMENT 1
Arete Kosmos
BTEC
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,© Arete Kosmos
Contents
Computational thinking skills ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Principles of computer programming .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Principles of software design ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Analysation: How computational thinking skills can impact software design and the quality of the software applications produced ....................................... 12
Evaluation: How computational thinking skills can impact software design and the quality of the software applications produced ......................................... 20
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, © Arete Kosmos
Computational thinking skills
Computational thinking is what programmers use when solving problems. Programmers first break it down into small components into a more
manageable way which is easier to understand (decomposition). They then search for patterns within or between these subproblems so that
they can maximise their efficiency by creating shortcuts that can be repeated and combined (pattern recognition). Programmers use
abstraction by generalising the problem while ignoring the characteristics of patterns that are not of use and focusing on the ones that are
needed. They also use pattern generalisation for spotting things that are repeated between patterns. By programmers using these it gives
them solutions to problems.
Decomposition:
This involves breaking down a complex problem into small parts into a more manageable and easier to understand way.
An example of decomposition From the image you can see that to make a toast it is Brocken down into small manageable steps. This way it
helps it to be easier to make. An example of decomposition
It is a more efficient and convenient way of getting work done by breaking it into parts that’s easier to understand.
Pattern recognition:
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