What is computational thinking?

By ng_lay_keow | Updated: Nov. 21, 2024, 4:45 p.m.

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What is computational thinking, algorithm design and how to represent algorithm design in words and in flowchart.

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Computational thinking can be described as the thought process involved in formulating problems and developing approaches to solving them in a manner that can be implemented with a computer (Wing, J. M., 2006). 
What is computational thinking?
This process of creating an effective and efficient sequence of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem is known as algorithm design. 
Algorithm Design
The design of an algorithm can be expressed in the form of words, flowcharts, pseudocode or program.
Algorithm: step-by-step instructions 
                    to solve a problem.
words
flowchart
pseudocode
program
Here is a simple example. Let's say that you want to find the difference between any two numbers, A and B. 
Task: Design an algorithm to find the difference between any 
         two numbers.
Define the problem.
Step
Input: two numbers,A and B
Output: Difference between A and B
Step
Check if A is bigger than B
[if yes] Difference = A - B
[if no]  Difference = B - A
This is an algorithm in words!
Abstract the essential information
Decompose the problem into smaller steps for a general pattern.
Let us try to create a flowchart to find the difference between any two numbers, A and B. 
This is an algorithm in flowchart!
Start
Input A and B
A > B?
Yes
Difference 
= A - B
No
Difference 
= B - A
Output Difference
End
What is a flowchart?
Let's get to know the four symbols first!
Terminator
The terminator symbol represents the Start or End of a set of steps.
Start
Input A and B
A > B?
Yes
Difference 
= A - B
No
Difference 
= B - A
Output Difference
End
Let's get to know the four symbols first!
Data
The data symbol represents the Input for or the Output from the algorithm.
Start
Input A and B
A > B?
Yes
Difference 
= A - B
No
Difference 
= B - A
Output Difference
End
Let's get to know the four symbols first!
Decision
The decision symbol represents a step involving a Question. The outgoing arrows represent to possible outcomes to the question and are usually labelled "Yes" and "No".
Start
Input A and B
A > B?
Yes
Difference 
= A - B
No
Difference 
= B - A
Output Difference
End
Let's get to know the four symbols first!
Process
The process symbol represents a step involving an Action or Operation, i.e. changing the value of a variable.
Start
Input A and B
A > B?
Yes
Difference 
= A - B
No
Difference 
= B - A
Output Difference
End
Here's another flowchart!
Start creating your own algorithm designs to improve your problem-solving abilities!

What is computational thinking?

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