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R1 Algorithms - Reading: Component of Algorithmic Thinking What This Means

An algorithm is a sequence of steps to solve a problem, which can be executed by humans or machines. To create an algorithm, one must clearly state the problem, decompose it into smaller parts, identify patterns, and develop a step-by-step solution. Key components of algorithmic thinking include functional decomposition, repetition, selection, data structures, abstraction, and parameters, all aimed at creating efficient algorithms.

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9 views1 page

R1 Algorithms - Reading: Component of Algorithmic Thinking What This Means

An algorithm is a sequence of steps to solve a problem, which can be executed by humans or machines. To create an algorithm, one must clearly state the problem, decompose it into smaller parts, identify patterns, and develop a step-by-step solution. Key components of algorithmic thinking include functional decomposition, repetition, selection, data structures, abstraction, and parameters, all aimed at creating efficient algorithms.

Uploaded by

Gerard Papet
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

R1 Algorithms - Reading

An algorithm is a sequence of steps which are carried out in order to solve a


problem.

If we can write down the steps to solve a problem then it is possible for us
to program a computer to carry them out and automate them.

Algorithms do not need computers to carry them out. They are


simply the steps required to solve a problem. So a recipe gives an
algorithm for creating a meal. It is normally carried out by a
person, but it could be carried out by a machine in a factory. In
mathematics, you are taught algorithms for how to solve problems. These are the steps you need to
follow.

The following stages need to be used to create an algorithm:

1. State the problem clearly and precisely


2. Break the problem down into smaller problems (decomposition)
3. Try to find patterns or similarities to make smaller problems abstract (abstraction)
4. Create a step-by-step solution to solve each of these smaller problems (the algorithm)

As algorithms are simply the steps to solve a problem, we normally write them down in pseudocode
or by using a flow diagram. Pseudocode can be written in a similar way to a programming language,
but simple statements in English are also okay. The only important point is that pseudocode is
written in a way that allows other programmers to understand how the algorithm works.

A computer program is an algorithm that has been implemented using a specific programming
language.

Algorithmic thinking is the ability to be able to solve problems by creating an algorithm. The
following are some of the key components of algorithmic thinking which we use when trying to
create algorithms.

Component of algorithmic thinking What this means


Functional decomposition Splitting up a problem into smaller problems which each have
their own functionality. These will be programmed using
subroutines such as functions or procedures
Repetition Iteration (repeating sections of code) or recursion (functions
calling themselves)
Selection The ability to run different parts of the algorithm based on a
condition
Data structures These include arrays, lists and records.
Abstraction Ignores details of a problem to make it easier to solve
Parameters These are the limits of the inputs that are used in the
algorithm. So for instance, an algorithm which adds two
numbers together might have parameters that the numbers
must be integers (whole numbers) and positive.

One objective of algorithmic thinking is to create efficient algorithms. If an algorithm is efficient then
it will use fewer computational resources and complete the problem faster.

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Licensed to DiscoG Coding Academy, #11349136

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