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Chapter 7 Part 1

The document outlines the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC) which includes analysis, design, coding, and testing stages. It explains computer systems and sub-systems, problem decomposition, methods for solution design, and the concept of algorithms. Additionally, it provides practical activities related to flowchart creation for algorithms involving number comparisons.

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12 views9 pages

Chapter 7 Part 1

The document outlines the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC) which includes analysis, design, coding, and testing stages. It explains computer systems and sub-systems, problem decomposition, methods for solution design, and the concept of algorithms. Additionally, it provides practical activities related to flowchart creation for algorithms involving number comparisons.

Uploaded by

chevcalystahans
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IGCSE Computer Science Study Material

Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC)


The PDLC consists of the following stages:
1. Analysis:
o Understand the problem or requirements.
o Identify inputs, processes, and outputs.
o Gather and document user requirements.
2. Design:
o Plan the solution using methods like flowcharts, pseudocode, or diagrams.
o Design the user interface and system architecture.
o Break the problem into smaller sub-tasks (modular design).
3. Coding:
o Write the program code based on the design.
o Use appropriate programming languages and techniques.
o Ensure that the code adheres to design specifications.
4. Testing:
o Verify that the program works as intended.
o Test for different scenarios using test data.
o Fix errors (debugging) and improve the program.

Computer Systems and Sub-Systems


• A computer system is a combination of hardware and software designed to perform
tasks.
• It consists of sub-systems, each responsible for specific functions (e.g., input
handling, data processing).
• Sub-systems can be further broken down into smaller components (e.g., input sub-
system includes keyboard, mouse).
Problem Decomposition
• Decomposition is breaking a problem into smaller, manageable parts.
• Example: Designing a calculator
o Main System: Calculator
o Sub-systems: Input, Processing, Output
o Further sub-systems: Input includes buttons; Processing includes arithmetic
operations.

Methods for Solution Design


• Flowcharts: Visual diagrams showing steps of a process.
• Pseudocode: Written representation of the program logic in simple language.
• Top-down Design: Breaking down a system into sub-systems and modules.

Understanding Algorithms
• An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem.
• Example: Algorithm to calculate the area of a rectangle:
o Input length and width.
o Multiply length by width.
o Output the area.
• Purpose: Clearly defines how a task is performed, ensuring consistency.

Standard Methods of Solution


• Iteration (loops)
• Selection (decision-making with conditions)
• Sequential processing (step-by-step execution)
What does this flowchart
do?
Practical Activity
1. An algorithm needs to take three numbers as input and output the smallest. Draw a
flowchart for this algorithm.
2. An algorithm needs to take two numbers as input, then subtract the smallest from the
largest. Draw a flowchart for this algorithm.

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