1.1.2

Decomposition Thinking

Test yourself

Computational Thinking with Cupcakes

Decomposing is a method used in computational thinking to break a complex task down into smaller tasks. We can use decomposing to break down the tasks involved in making cupcakes.

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Decomposing

  • Imagine telling your friends how to make cupcakes for a party.
  • If you just said, ‘make the cupcakes’, they might be confused and everybody would do it differently.
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Decomposing gives the steps

  • There are different parts to making cupcakes:
    • Make the batter.
    • Make the icing.
    • Bake the cakes.
    • Add the toppings.
  • Each of these tasks can be decomposed into logical steps.
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Algorithms

  • For each part of the cupcake task, there are many smaller steps.
  • The steps must be clear, in the right order and able to be followed to give the same result every time.
  • The steps and rules that are followed are called an algorithm.
    • Think of an algorithm like the steps in the recipe for the cupcakes.

Jump to other topics

1Computational Thinking & Algorithms

1.1Computational Thinking

1.1.1Abstraction Thinking

1.1.2Decomposition Thinking

1.1.3Algorithmic Thinking

1.2Algorithms

1.2.1Algorithms

1.2.2Pseudocode

1.2.3Flow Diagrams

1.2.4Logical Reasoning & Debugging

1.2.5Reading Algorithms

1.2.6Correcting Algorithms

1.2.7Complete the Algorithm

1.2.8Search Algorithms

1.2.9Linear Search

1.2.10Binary Search

1.2.11Sort Algorithms

1.2.12Bubble Sort

1.2.13Insertion Sort

1.2.14End of Topic Test - Algorithms

2Programming

2.1Programming Fundamentals

2.1.1Variables & Constants

2.1.2Comments

2.1.3Input & Output

2.1.4Arithmetic Operators

2.1.5Relational Operators

2.1.6Boolean Operators

2.1.7Sequence

2.1.8Selection

2.1.9Iteration

2.1.10Subroutines

2.1.11Scope

2.1.12Data Types

2.1.13Casting

2.1.14Arrays

2.1.152D Arrays

2.1.16Lists

2.1.172D Lists

2.1.18Strings

2.1.19Syntax Errors

2.1.20Logic Errors

2.1.21Runtime Errors

2.1.22End of Topic Test - Programming

2.2Designing Code

2.2.1Code

2.2.2Programs

2.2.3Writing Your Own Program

2.2.4Designing a ‘Basketball’ Game

2.2.5Turning an Algorithm into an App

2.2.6End of Topic Test - Designing Code

2.3Python

2.3.1Introduction to Python

2.3.2Input

2.3.3Output

2.3.4Casting

2.3.5Type Coercion

2.3.6Selection

2.3.7Iteration

2.3.8Files

2.3.9File Handling

2.3.10Identifiers

2.3.11Whitespace

2.3.12Comments

2.3.13Exceptions

3Hardware & Software

3.1Hardware

3.1.1Elements of Computer Systems

3.1.2Central Processing Unit (CPU)

3.1.3Registers of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

3.1.4Factors Affecting CPU Performance

3.1.5Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

3.1.6Binary Systems

3.1.7Logic Circuits

3.1.8Boolean Logic

3.1.9End of Topic Test - Logic

3.2Software

3.2.1System Software

4Data

4.1Representing Data

4.1.1Binary

4.1.2Converting Binary & Hexadecimal

4.1.3Converting Denary & Hexadecimal

4.1.4Binary Arithmetic

4.1.5Representing Sound

4.1.6Representing Images

4.1.7Character Sets

4.1.8American Standard Code for Information Interchange

4.1.9Unicode

4.1.10End of Topic Test - Representation

5The Internet

5.1Networks

5.1.1Networks

5.1.2Geographical Classification of Networks

5.1.3What is the Internet?

5.1.4The World Wide Web

5.1.5Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)

5.1.6Web Hosting

5.1.7HTML

5.1.8Searching the World Wide Web

5.1.9Good Searching Tips

5.1.10Are You Looking at Reliable Information?

6Online Safety & Security

6.1Protecting Yourself Online

6.1.1Digital Footprints

6.1.2Leaving a Safe Online Footprint

6.1.3Online Safety

6.1.4Malware - Viruses

6.1.5Malware

6.1.6People Online

6.1.7Your Feelings

6.1.8Getting Help

6.2Computing and the Law

6.2.1Data Protection Act (1998)

6.2.2Computer Misuse Act (1990)

6.2.3Freedom of Information Act (2000)

6.2.4Plagiarism

6.2.5Copyright

6.2.6Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988)

6.2.7Creative Commons Licensing

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Abstraction Thinking

Algorithmic Thinking