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IGCSE Programming Algorithms Notes

The document provides an overview of algorithms and programming, defining an algorithm as a clear, efficient set of instructions for problem-solving. It outlines the characteristics of a good algorithm and describes the programming process, including defining problems, designing algorithms, and implementing them in programming languages. Additionally, it covers basic programming concepts such as data types, input/output, arithmetic operators, and handling different types of data.

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20 views2 pages

IGCSE Programming Algorithms Notes

The document provides an overview of algorithms and programming, defining an algorithm as a clear, efficient set of instructions for problem-solving. It outlines the characteristics of a good algorithm and describes the programming process, including defining problems, designing algorithms, and implementing them in programming languages. Additionally, it covers basic programming concepts such as data types, input/output, arithmetic operators, and handling different types of data.

Uploaded by

cyarahtandon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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IGCSE Computer Science (0478) - Programming & Algorithms Notes

1. Introduction to Programming & Algorithms

What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions to solve a specific problem. Algorithms
must be clear, precise, and efficient, ensuring they achieve the intended outcome correctly.

Characteristics of a Good Algorithm:


- Unambiguous: Each step must be clear and well-defined.
- Correctness: It should produce the correct output for valid inputs.
- Efficiency: It should use minimal resources (time and memory).
- Finiteness: It should terminate after a finite number of steps.
- Generalization: It should work for all valid inputs.

Example: An algorithm to make tea:


1. Boil water.
2. Add tea leaves or a tea bag.
3. Pour in the boiled water.
4. Add sugar/milk as needed.
5. Stir and serve.

What is Programming?
Programming is the process of writing instructions (code) to solve problems using a
programming language like Python, Java, or C++. It involves:

- Defining the problem


- Designing an algorithm
- Implementing the algorithm in a programming language
- Testing and debugging the program
- Maintaining and improving the program

8. Programming Concepts

8.1 Data Types


Integer: Whole numbers (e.g., 5, 100, -3)
Float: Decimal numbers (e.g., 3.14, 2.5)
String: Text data (e.g., 'Hello', 'Python')
Boolean: Logical values (True, False)

8.2 Input and Output


Example Input:
name = input("Enter your name: ")
Example Output:
print("Hello,", name)

8.3 Arithmetic Operators


Addition (+), Subtraction (-), Multiplication (*), Division (/), Modulus (%)
Example:
sum = 5 + 3
print(sum) # Output: 8

8.16 Abnormal, Normal, and Extreme Data


Normal Data: Valid inputs that the program is expected to handle correctly.
Abnormal Data: Invalid inputs, such as entering text instead of numbers.
Extreme Data: Values at the boundary of valid input (e.g., largest or smallest possible
values).
Example:
age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
if age < 0 or age > 120:
print("Invalid age entered.")
else:
print("Valid input.")

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