Maureen Sprankle, College of the Redwoods

Published August, 1997 by Prentice Hall Career & Technology

Copyright 1998, 486 pp.
Paper
ISBN 0-13-631805-3

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    Programming Concepts and Logic-Electronic Technology

    Problem Solving-Computer Science

    Intro to Computers/Concepts-Computer Information Systems

Covering the basic problem solving students need to know and understand when working in any language or application, this comprehensive text provides a step-by-step progression of topics and consistent in-depth coverage. With detailed explanations and numerous illustrations, it encompasses all fundamental areas of problem solving from the basics of mathematical functions and operators, to the design and use of such techniques as codes, indicators, control breaks, arrays, pointers, file updates, and report handling. The essential tools of problem solving (including structure charts, IPO charts, algorithms, and flowcharts) are explained and demonstrated extensively throughout. The author establishes the four basic logic structures: sequential, decision, repetition, and case structures and includes coverage of problem solving techniques for horizontal software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management systems.




Takes a generic, non-language specific approach, allowing students to focus on problem solving regardless of the language they use.
Introduces five essential problem solving tools:

• Problem analysis chart.
• IPO chart.
• Structure charts.
• Algorithms.
• Flowcharts.

Presents four basic logic structures, including sequential, decision, repetition and case structures, providing foundations upon which students can build their knowledge of programming.
Uses structured programming techniques throughout—including modular design, variable naming, and local and global variables—establishing a solid understanding of this crucial area.
Includes file handling techniques, instructing students in the management of sequential and random access files.
Treats problem solving within applications for students who need problem solving skills for building spreadsheets, databases and word processing documents.
Presents beginning data concepts, such as variables and constants, expression and equation, and data types and functions.
Integrates an instructional support system throughout each chapter, including...

• Chapter objectives.
• Definitions of new terms.
• In-chapter questions.
• Chapter summaries.
• End-of-chapter problems and exercises.

NEW—Features two new chapters on the concepts of object-oriented programming (Chapters 11, 12).
NEW—Adds a new Find the Error section to Unit 1.
NEW—Reorganizes chapters to provide a more logical, manageable progression of topics.
NEW—Integrates a wealth of new examples, exercises, and problems throughout the text.



I. INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING AND PROGRAMMING.

1. General Problem-Solving Concepts.
2. Beginning Problem-Solving Concepts for the Computer.
3. Programming Concepts.

II. STRUCTURING PROGRAMS FOR LANGUAGES AND APPLICATIONS.

4. An Introduction to Programming Structure.
5. Problem Solving with the Sequential Logic Structure.
6. Problem Solving with Decisions.
7. Problem Solving with Loops.
8. Problem Solving with Case Logic Structure.

III. DATA STRUCTURES.

9. Processing Arrays.
10. Data Structures.

IV. OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING.

11. Concepts of Object Oriented Programming.
12. Object Oriented Program Design.

V. FILE PROCESSING.

13. File Concepts.
14. Sequential-Access File Applications.
15. Sequential-Access File Updating.
16. Random-Access File Processing and Updating.

VI. PROBLEM SOLVING FOR APPLICATION SOFTWARE.

17. Introduction to Application Software.
18. Problem Solving for Word Processing and Desktop Publishing.
19. Problem Solving for Spreadsheets.
20. Problem Solving for Relational Database Management Systems.
21. Document Processing.
Appendices: Formulas Commonly Used in Business Applications. Sort, Merge and Search Methods. ASCII and EBCDIC Codes for Data Representation. Forms to Use in Problem Solving. Other Problem-Solving Tools.
Glossary.
Index.

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