| Abstraction |
Abstractions involves reducing a problem’s complexity by focusing solely on the most important details. For example, a model is an abstract representation of a real system. The use of variables in algebra or computer programming is another example. Abstraction can also be called generalising. |
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| Algorithm |
An algorithm is a series of steps that must be followed in a specific order to solve a problem. When you plan a route home from work or cook a recipe, you are executing an algorithm. Providing a solution to a problem in the form of an algorithm makes a process repeatable and reproducible by others. |
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| Automation |
Automation can involve using a computer program to perform repetitive tasks or calculations. By making processes reproducible, algorithms are a key enabler of automation. |
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| Coding |
Another word for computer programming, i.e. writing computer code that instructs a computer in what to do. |
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| Decomposition |
Solving a complex problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. |
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| Pattern matching |
Pattern matching identifies specific patterns within data, regardless of where the pattern might occur. In contrast to pattern recognition, pattern matching only identifies exact matches. Regular expressions can be used to specify these patterns. |
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| Pattern recognition |
In computational thinking, identifying patterns or connections across the different parts of a larger problem is one of the keys to solving it. Our brains are excellent at spotting patterns and similarities, making it easier to use previous experience and methods to come up with solutions. |
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| Regular expressions |
Often abbreviated to regex, regular expressions can be used to specify exact search patterns within data. Such patterns are generally used for search or search and replace operations within data, e.g., searching for postcodes, telephone numbers, names, chemical formulae and so on. |
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| Programming |
Another word for coding. |
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| Value |
In programming, a value is an entity that can be manipulated by a program. It is usually a number (a whole integer, e.g. 10 or a floating point number, e.g. 5.126), a single character, or a string of characters. |
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| Variable |
In programming, a variable is a kind of ‘container’ for a value or a range of values that are swapped in and out as a program runs. |
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| Workflow |
A workflow is a series of sequential steps to accomplish a specific task. |
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| Working with data |
Working with data frequently involves computational thinking. Collecting data, analysing data, and visualising data can all help you break a problem down. |