CITS:
-Python 3
Computational thinking:
Decompose: how to divide large problem into small parts and solve them “
divide and conquer”
Pattern recognition: recognizing common tactics to solve of problems
Abstraction: generalizing the problem by reducing avoidable details
Algorithm: how to formulate ordered step-wise approach to solve the problem
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Lecture 1: Computers and Recipes
Computer Program: A detailed set of step-by-step instructions executed by a
computer.
Algorithm: A step-by-step process for achieving the desired result
Analysis: the process of examining algorithms and programs mathematically
Computer Hardware Basics:
Central Processing Unit (CPU): Carries out the computations
Memory: Stores programs and data
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CPU can only access information from the main memory: Random Access
Memory (RAM)
RAM is fast but volatile i.e. all information is lost on power lost
Secondary memory provides more permanent storage e.g. magnetic (hard
drive), optical (CD, DVD, Blue Ray Disc), solid state drives (USB, SSD
memory)
Input Devices: pass information to the computer
Output Devices: pass information back to the user or device
Programming Languages: Used to express algorithms in a precise way
-Every structure in programming language has a precise form called syntax
-Every structure in a programming language has a precise meaning called its
semantics