Computational Models
Computer Science: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 4.1.1
Computational Models
There are many different models of computation which can be used. Three common models are sequential, parallel and multi-agent.
Sequential
- In the sequential model, code is executed from start to end.
- The code may make use of sequence, selection and iteration.
- Most programming languages use the sequential model.
Parallel
- In the parallel model, multiple pieces of the code can be executed simultaneously.
- The parallel model can be much faster than the sequential model.
- Multithreading and multi-core supporting code are examples of parallel models.
Multi-agent
- In the multi-agent model, multiple devices (called “agents”) work together on a problem.
- The multi-agent model is often used in “swarm” robots.
Test yourself on Computational Models
What happens in the parallel model?
Which is usually faster: sequential or parallel?