Instructions for solving a problem

GRADE 5 WORDLIST TERM 2

1. 
   Algorithm – a set of precise instructions for solving a problem.
   
2. 
   Application software – programs that are written for a specific task or set of tasks, such as text processing software, media players or games.
   
3. 
   Conditional statement – the instruction in a program that instructs it to perform different actions depending on whether the condition is ‘true’ or ‘false’. Also known as a Selection statement.
   
4. 
   Constant – a data value that stays the same each time a program is run, for example the starting values within a game
   
5. 
   Data type – the content of data within a variable, for example whether it is text or numeric
   
6. 
   Decomposition – the taking of a complex problem and breaking it down into smaller parts that are easier to solve
   
7. 
   Flowchart – a diagram that uses a standard set of symbols, including arrows, to represent each step of an algorithm. The symbols are used to represent different types of instruction.
   
8. 
   Loop – a section of code that is repeated within a program
   
9. 
   Operation, or operating, system – software that supports a computer’s basic functions.
   
10. 
    Real – a programming data type that stores numbers that contain decimal places.
    
11. 
    String – a programming data type that stores alphanumeric combinations and text. A string should not include numbers that are used for calculations but can include sequences of numbers in contexts such as addresses or telephone numbers.
    
12. 
    Sub-routine – a discrete section of code that performs a particular operation within a program. Sub-routines can be used many times within a program and can be re-used in other programs
    
13. 
    Syntax – the rules that define the structure of a programming language.
    
14. 
    System software – software that controls the hardware within a computer system and provides the user interface.
    
15. 
    Variable – a memory location within a program that stores particular values, such as the name, age or score of a user. The values can change each time the program is run or while the program is running