CSCI N100 Principles of Computing Basic Problem-Solving

Course Goals Overcome fear of computers Wide range of applications Strong programming skills

What’s different about computers? You know lots of machines Computers seem different They seem to change Each program makes the computer act differently

Traditional teaching scheme One machine, one task New machine New class Machines don’t change that frequently

Learning about computing Computer does so many things Same thing happens many different ways Programs change all the time

How do you work a computer? The buttons and mouse are easy It’s actually the PROGRAMS you have to learn One machine has many tasks

The training trap New class for every task New class for each software New class for each version

Education in computing Learn basic concepts Get solid background Practice solving problems

Good computer users Little fear Background knowledge Problem-solving strategy

Definition of computer Universal Information Manipulator

Universal Works with all kinds of information Does all kinds of stuff to it Very few limitations

Information Seems to be able to work with anything Actually very limited Tiny pieces of data combined into complex information

Manipulator Seem able to do anything with data Actually very limited Simple commands combined into complex instructions

CSCI N100 Principles of Computing Basic Problem-Solving

Problem-Solving Use when you’re stuck Plan for complicated problems Backup when things go wrong

STAIR S - State the problem T- Tools A - Algorithm I - Implementation R - Refinement

State the Problem Use English No technical words! Make it clean and precise Be complete Usually the hardest step

Tools Identify some tools Could be programs commands things, ideas Be imaginative! List all potential tools

Algorithm Computer word for plan/strategy Re-state problem in terms of tools List of steps You should know how to do each step

Implementation Just do it! Translate algorithm into action Should be easiest step

Refinement It never goes right the first time Look back over previous steps Fix problems and try again