9618 · 9.1
Computational Thinking Skills — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9618 Computational Thinking Skills. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Do I need to explicitly label 'Decomposition', 'Abstraction', etc., in my exam answers?
No, you don't need to write these words in your final code or pseudocode. However, using them as a mental checklist to structure your thoughts is extremely valuable. For longer, written questions that ask you to describe a solution, explaining your approach using these terms can be a good way to structure your answer and ensure you cover all necessary steps.
Is computational thinking the same as programming?
No, they are related but distinct. Computational thinking is the process of designing a solution. Programming is the process of implementing that solution in a specific language. You do computational thinking before you start programming. A good plan (from CT) makes programming much easier.
What's the difference between an algorithm and a program?
An algorithm is a logical, step-by-step plan to solve a problem, which is independent of any programming language (often written in pseudocode or as a flowchart). A program is the implementation of an algorithm in a specific programming language (like Python, Java, or VB.NET) that a computer can execute.