Inputs, Processing & Outputs Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

In an algorithm, what is an input?

Data that the algorithm takes in to be processed, e.g. a value the user enters (USERINPUT in AQA pseudo-code).

In an algorithm, what is an output?

Data that the algorithm sends out once it has been processed, e.g. a value displayed on the screen (OUTPUT in AQA pseudo-code).

In an algorithm, what is processing?

The steps and decisions that turn the inputs into the outputs, e.g. calculations and comparisons.

What are the steps to identify the inputs, processes and outputs of a problem?

e.g. a program that asks for a length and a width and displays the area

1. List the data entered into the system: length, width
2. List the calculations/decisions needed: area = length $\times$ width
3. List the data sent out: display the area

True or false? A value that the program calculates and displays on screen is an input.

False. It is an output — inputs are data entered into the system.