Computational Thinking - A beginner's guide to problem-solving and programming

10 USING ABSTRACTIONS AND PATTERNS

OBJECTIVES

• Learn simple principles for finding patterns in programs.

• Discuss how abstraction applies in the context of programming.

• Show built-in types available for use in your solution.

• Introduce classes as a means of creating your own types and abstractions.

• Examine an array of ready-made patterns.

FINDING PATTERNS IN PROGRAMS

Finding patterns during problem decomposition was first mentioned in Chapter 3, in ‘Patterns and generalisation’.

It’s very important to look for patterns in a problem. During problem decomposition, when the problem is being broken down into a series of sub-problems, ...