Year 11 - Computing
Programming project - dictionaries I
Programming: dictionaries and data files
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit introduces pupils to the new data structures of records and dictionaries. They will develop a Caesar cipher encryption program using a dictionary as a cipher wheel. Pupils will explore how data can be read from and written to files and how this data can be used within a program.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to develop a set of success criteria from a project brief and use the criteria to start developing a solution.
Key Notes
- Before you begin a large project, it can be helpful to write the success criteria.
- Success criteria are specific, measurable benchmarks used to determine if a project has been accomplished successfully.
- A code log is a document that you can use when developing a program to keep track of your progress.
- A code log can record any problems that you come across and how you solved them.
Vocabulary To Learn
- success criteria: specific, measurable and realistic benchmarks used to determine if a project, task or outcome has been accomplished successfully
- code log: a document that you can use when developing a program to keep track of your progress throughout the project
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- A project brief always includes success criteria.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Before you begin a large project, it can be helpful to write the success criteria. Success criteria are specific, measurable benchmarks used to determine if a project has been accomplished successfully.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'success criteria'
specific, measurable and realistic benchmarks used to determine if a project, task or outcome has been accomplished successfully. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: A project brief always includes success criteria. Correction: Sometimes a project brief may not include success criteria, but a brief description of what the program needs to do. You may need to generate success criteria from the project brief.
More Lessons In This Unit
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