Computational Thinking Skills (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Computer Science): Flashcards
Exam code: 9618
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Define abstraction.
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Cards in this collection (17)
Define abstraction.
Abstraction is the process of removing unnecessary details from a problem to focus on the important features for implementing a solution.
Name three things that abstraction can be used to model.
Abstraction can model a real-life object, an environment, an action, a sequence of actions or a concept.
Give two examples of an implementation of abstraction.
A computer game that simulates a sport, a car or flight simulator, and a map of a bus or train route in a city.
What must developers identify when creating a program?
They must identify the important features that will contribute to solving the problem or have a role to play in the solution.
How does a computer game use abstraction?
It removes the elements a user does not need to consider in order to enjoy the game, so users do not need to know the complex algorithms that control the non player characters.
What is the aim of abstraction in a game that simulates real life?
To make the game realistic and visually appealing while keeping it fun to play.
How does a city train route map use abstraction?
Travellers do not need to know the geographical layout of the routes, only that getting on at one stop will eventually transport them to another.
True or False?
Abstraction adds extra detail to a problem so that nothing is missed.
False.
Abstraction removes unnecessary details so that the important features can be focused on.
Abstraction removes non-essential elements so that programmers can focus on aspects for problem-solving.
Abstraction removes non-essential elements so that programmers can focus on critical aspects for problem-solving.
Define decomposition.
Decomposition is breaking down a big problem into smaller problems so that they can be solved independently.
Name three reasons programmers use decomposition.
To break problems down, to identify the steps, parts or processes involved, to identify reusable components, and to split tasks between programmers.
True or False?
Decomposition and abstraction are the same process.
False.
Decomposition breaks a big problem into smaller problems. Abstraction removes unnecessary detail so that the important features can be focused on.
Why is it useful to apply abstraction before decomposing a problem?
Abstraction removes non-essential elements first, so that programmers can focus on the critical aspects when breaking the problem down.
A booking system has slow response times.
Name two sub-problems it could be decomposed into.
Server limitations causing bottlenecks during peak hours, inefficient algorithms leading to delayed confirmation screens, and a poor user interface contributing to a bad user experience.
In the slow booking system, which sub-problem should be addressed first, and why?
Server limitations, because solving this could have a broad impact on system performance.
In the slow booking system, what would a programmer ignore when applying abstraction?
Elements such as the system's colour scheme or graphics, focusing instead on server response time and database query efficiency.
After decomposing a problem, the sub-problems should be so that the most important one is tackled first.
After decomposing a problem, the sub-problems should be prioritised so that the most important one is tackled first.
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