Confused? Don't be! The word algorithm was named after this spectacular, deep-thinking dude. Ahem. I mean, he was an Islamic mathematician and astronomer. The word itself means "A finite sequence of well-defined steps for solving a problem." [from answers.com]
Why am I randomly mentioning a nerdy guy from the 9th century? Believe it or not, I actually have a good reason! As Mr. Arkin has told us many times, one of the key points of effective programming is to be able to know exactly what we want to accomplish with the program, and be able to describe it in English to a non-programmer. This is where a clear algorithm comes in very handy.
For a fun activity, try writing down the instructions to doing a simple task like tying your shoelaces, or making a bowl of cereal. Then get somebody to follow exactly what you have written, and see what fun results are yielded! :)
Other than learning about algorithms, we also learned how to declare our very own functions and procedures! the newly learned keywords are procedure, function, and result.
On a completely unrelated note, I just got back yet ANOTHER awesome Christmas party with awesome food! It's truly the best time of year; with all the food that is. :)
Shortbread and chocolate, bring it on!
Grace, who is now going to start studying for 3 tests.
P.S. My mother bought a one kilogram bag of Lindor truffles today. I intend on claiming at least 40% of the bag for myself. Wish me luck! ;D
Why am I randomly mentioning a nerdy guy from the 9th century? Believe it or not, I actually have a good reason! As Mr. Arkin has told us many times, one of the key points of effective programming is to be able to know exactly what we want to accomplish with the program, and be able to describe it in English to a non-programmer. This is where a clear algorithm comes in very handy.
For a fun activity, try writing down the instructions to doing a simple task like tying your shoelaces, or making a bowl of cereal. Then get somebody to follow exactly what you have written, and see what fun results are yielded! :)
Other than learning about algorithms, we also learned how to declare our very own functions and procedures! the newly learned keywords are procedure, function, and result.
On a completely unrelated note, I just got back yet ANOTHER awesome Christmas party with awesome food! It's truly the best time of year; with all the food that is. :)
Shortbread and chocolate, bring it on!
Grace, who is now going to start studying for 3 tests.
P.S. My mother bought a one kilogram bag of Lindor truffles today. I intend on claiming at least 40% of the bag for myself. Wish me luck! ;D
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