All posts by Mr Stratton

Computing teacher and a PT at Coltness High School.

Past paper check list

March 2, 2014 Mr Stratton

I have updated this and I will give you a paper copy on Tuesday. Use it with traffic light stickers/high lighters, to record your progress. The Section 2 questions have not been broken down in part or the spreadsheet would have gotten out of hand. However, feel free to create one yourself and post me a copy 🙂

I have also posted the sample question paper and the Section 1, 2 & 3 PDFs in the past papers page (at top of page). There are no marking schemes on the blog so you will need to look elsewhere for the answers.

1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Computer Systems Material

February 28, 2014 Mr Stratton

Homework

H/W 2008 Q13 & 14

February 28, 2014 Mr Stratton

Homework 2008 Q13 & 14 all parts for Tuesday.

2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Module Libraries

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

A module library contains a set of pre written and pre tested procedures that can be used by the main program to complete its tasks. This has the advantage of speeding up the development of the software.

Some companies also provide access to module libraries they maintain to allow you to work with their products. i.e. Google

2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Case Statement

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

The case statement is used to make complex selection easier. It is used with one variable i.e

Case Age
>=21: Display over 21
>=18: Display over 18
<18: Display Under 18

2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Macros and Scripts

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

A lot of people get these two terms mixed up.

A script is a piece of code that is written or edited and can be attached to a button or ran directly.
A Macro on the other hand is a sequence of steps that is recorded from the users actions.

They are very easy to mix up so read any questions carefully.

2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Declarative Languages

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

A declarative language makes use of facts and rules to solve the problem. Prolog is an example of a declarative language.

More info.

2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Arrays

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

An array is a data structure that can store a number of pieces of data of the same type. While a normal variable can only store one piece of data at a time an array can store more than one.

Array need to be setup before they are used in VB, you also need to specify the size of the array in advance. i.e. DIM LastName(10) as String would create a ten item array of type String.

2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Types of Translator

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

The function of the translator is to change the source (program) code into object (machine) code. There are two main types

Interpreter – This checks each line as it as typed for syntax errors. When the program is executed it is translated line by line and the resultant object code is stored in RAM while executed. The Interpreter needs to be present in memory while the program executes.
Compiler – This only checks for syntax error when the program is executed. The compiler changes the whole program to object code that is then stored on backing store where it can be executed without the compiler being loaded into RAM.

Computing Higher

Functions

February 25, 2014 Mr Stratton

A function is a sub program that returns a single piece of information. This makes it useful for mathematical operations as well as validation of inputs.

There two types of function

Predefined functions are built into the language. i.e. Sin,Cos,Tan…
User Defined functions are created by the programer to aid in execution of a program.