Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Computers

3/10/16 Notes

Chapter 7/8

Top-Down Design

Takes the most basic aspect of a program and breaks it down into subprograms.

Control Structure

An expression that determines the order in which a program executes.

In Python, this is an if statement.

It can also be a looping statement.

Boolean Expression

A "True or False" program statement.

Composite Data Types

Example:

• numbers[0] = 1066
• numbers[1] = 1492
• numbers[2] = 999
• numbers[3] = 553
• numbers[4] = 1892

Example Code:

for i in range(3):
    print(numbers[i])

Arrays

When data is being read into an array, a counter is updated for each operation (e.g., for i in range(5)).

Sequential Search of an Unsorted Array

A sequential search examines each item in turn and compares it to the target item. If it matches, the item is found.... Continue reading "Top-Down Design and Control Structures in Python" »

Categories of Data Models

• Entity: Represents a real-world object or concept.
• Attribute:
  • Represents some property of interest.
  • Further describes an entity.
• Relationship: Represents an association among two or more entities.
• Entity-Relationship model
• Relational data model: Used most frequently in traditional commercial DBMSs.
• Object data model:
  • New family of higher-level implementation data models.
  • Closer to conceptual data models.
• Physical data models: Describe how data is stored as files in the computer.
• Access path: Structure that makes the search for particular database records efficient.
• Index:
  • Example of an access path.
  • Allows direct access to data using an index term or a keyword.

Schemas, Instances, and Database State

• Database schema: Description of a

Computing

Computing is the automatic processing of information with computers.

Input and Output

Input: Data entered into the computer.
CPU: Processes the information.
Output: The processed information is displayed.

Binary System

Computers use the binary system (0 and 1).
Bit (b): Smallest unit of information (0 or 1).
Byte (B): Group of 8 bits. Example: 1010 0001
Characters are usually expressed with 1 B (8 bits).

Character Encoding

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Represents characters using binary code.
ISO-8859-1: An extension of ASCII, uses 1 byte for characters. Example: A = 0100 0001 (65), = 0111 1110 (126)

Hardware

The physical components of a computer.

Internal Components

• Motherboard
• CPU

External Devices (Peripherals)

• Input:

SOFTWARE TESTING

Testing can only show the presence of errors, not their absence. The goal of testing is confidence.

• Validation: Are we building the right product? What does the customer need?
• Verification: Are we building the product right? Functional/Non-Functional requirements.

SOFTWARE INSPECTION VS. SOFTWARE TESTING

While inspection will go through the code without running the program, testing will run the program and look at the results. Incomplete programs can only be inspected, not tested. Inspections can control aspects of good software (maintainability…), not just the results.

TEST CASE:

• Requirements
• Data/Input
• Actions
• Expected Results

TEST CASE PRINCIPLES:

• A test tries to find flaws in a program.
• A good test case will show a possible defect

Forward Engineering Defined

Forward engineering is the traditional process of moving from high-level abstractions and logical designs to the physical implementation of a system.

Understanding Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering (RE) is the process of duplicating an existing part, sub-assembly, or product without original drawings, documentation, or a computer model.

It is also defined as the process of obtaining a geometric Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model from 3-D points acquired by scanning or digitizing existing parts.

Alternative Name for Reverse Engineering

The process is often referred to as the Physical-to-Digital process.

Key Purposes of Reverse Engineering (RE)

Reverse engineering serves several critical functions, including:

• The user

Optimization Problem and LP Relaxation

The objective function for an optimization problem is: Min 3x – 2y, with constraints x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0. x and y must be integers. Suppose that the integer restriction on the variables is removed. If so, this would be a familiar two-variable linear program; however, it would also be an example of an LP relaxation of the integer linear program.

Integers in Linear Programs

Integers cannot be used in linear programs.

• False

Simple Linear Regression Model

In a simple linear regression model, y = b0 + b1x + eb1, b1 represents the intercept.

Time Series Recurring Pattern

A time series that shows a recurring pattern over one year or less is said to follow a cyclical pattern.

Binary Integer Program Variables

In binary integer... Continue reading "Fundamentals of Optimization and Statistical Modeling" »

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Computer Networks

What is a Network?

A network is a number of computers linked together to allow the sharing of resources. A server usually provides services like file storage and email.

Types of Networks

There are two main types of networks:

• Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN covers a small area, such as a home or office.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several LANs connected together. WANs can be connected together using the internet.

Email

There are two main types of email:

• Client-based email: Often used by business users, client-based email involves downloading email from a server to an application on the user's computer.
• Webmail: Accessed through a web browser, webmail can be accessed from any