Computer Science A Level Mind Map

Computer Science A Level Mind Map

1. Programming Constructs

   • Sequence: Where code is run in a set, logical order
   • Selection: When certain conditions allow the program to decide whether or not to run a section if code
     • If/Else/Else if: An output/section of code is chosen based on variable comparisons
     • Switch Case: A "case", or section of code, is selected once again based on variable comparisons. There is also a "default" that is run if none of the cases are met
   • Iteration: When a program repeats a section of code
     • For Loop: The code is run for a set number of iterations
     • While Loop: The code is run until a condition is met or broken

2. Data Structures

   • Arrays: A data structure that contains a set number of items of data all of the same data type. All the items are grouped under 1 identifier

3. Variables

   • Variable naming (good practice)
     • UPPERCASE reserved for constants rather than variables
     • Include data type in name, eg. countINT
     • Stick to either camelCase or under_score for multi-word variable names
     • Make the name meaningful (don't usually just call them "A" or "X")
     • Indicate whether it's a local or global variable in the name
   • Named values with of a changeable data type
   • Variable naming rules
     • The name of a variable cannot be a reserved word
     • Variable names MUST start with a letter

4. Constants

   • Similar to a variable except for the fact that it cannot be altered while the program is running; it's value is constant. Variable naming rules should also be followed when naming constants

5. Operators

   • = is used for assignment
   • == is used for comparisons
   • != means "not equal to"
   • && means "and" UNLESS it is within a switch case. In a switch case just "and" should be used
   • || means "or" UNLESS it is within a switch case. In a switch case just "or" should be used
   • Standard mathematical operators
     • * for multiplication
     • / for division
     • - for subtraction
     • + for addition
     • % to find the remainder of a division equation