Edexcel Algorithm Key Terminology

Unambiguous

• This means that the instruction cannot be misunderstood.
• An ordered set of instructions
• A precise method for solving a problem
• A programming language that resembles natural human language

Sequence

• An ordered set of instructions
• A programming language that resembles natural human language
• A structured, code-like language that can be used to describe an algorithm.
• A unique name given to a variable or constant. Using descriptive names for variables makes code easier to read.

Algorithm

• A precise method for solving a problem
• This means that the instruction cannot be misunderstood.
• A 'container' that holds a value that never changes.
• An operator that performs a calculation on two numbers.

High-level programming language

• A programming language that resembles natural human language
• A programming language that resembles machine code

Flow chart

• A graphical representation of an algorithm. Each step in the algorithm is represented by a symbol. Symbols are linked together with arrows showing the order in which steps are executed.
• A structured, code-like language that can be used to describe an algorithm.
• A 'container' used to store data (value). The value is not fixed as it can store different values during the course of a program and each time a program is run.

Pseudo-code

• A structured, code-like language that can be used to describe an algorithm.
• A programming language that resembles natural human language
• This means that the instruction cannot be misunderstood.

Variable

• A 'container' used to store data (value). The value is not fixed as it can store different values during the course of a program and each time a program is run.
• A 'container' that holds a value that never changes.

Identifier

• A unique name given to a variable or constant. Using descriptive names for variables makes code easier to read.
• A name given to a variable or constant. Using descriptive names for variables makes code harder to read.

The arithmetic operator for greater than or equal to is...

• >=
• <=
• >!
• <!

The arithmetic operator for not equal to is...

• <>
• ==
• ()
• <=