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Topic 6: Problem solving with programming

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the primitive and structured data types, and how do you use variables and constants in Python?

Write programs that make appropriate use of primitive data types (integer, real, Boolean, char) and one- and two-dimensional structured data types (string, array, record), and that make appropriate use of variables and constants.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.3.1 and 6.3.2, covering the primitive data types (integer, real, Boolean, char), structured types (string, array, record) in one and two dimensions, and using variables and constants.
9 min answer →

How do you develop, read, refine and debug a program, and write readable code?

Use decomposition and abstraction to solve problems; read, write, analyse and refine programs; convert algorithms (flowcharts, pseudocode) into programs; use techniques (layout, indentation, comments, meaningful identifiers, white space) for readable code; identify, locate and correct logic, syntax and runtime errors; and evaluate a program's fitness for purpose and efficiency.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.1, covering using decomposition and abstraction in programs, converting algorithms to code, writing readable code, identifying and correcting errors, and evaluating fitness for purpose.
9 min answer →

How do you accept user input and read from and write to comma separated value (CSV) text files in Python?

Write programs that accept and respond appropriately to user input, and that read from and write to comma separated value text files.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.4.1 and 6.4.2, covering accepting and responding to user input, and reading from and writing to comma separated value (CSV) text files in Python.
9 min answer →

What are the structural components of a program, and how do you use sequence, selection, repetition and iteration in Python?

Identify the structural components of programs (constants, variables, initialisation, assignment, sequence, selection, repetition, iteration, data structures, subprograms, parameters, input/output) and write programs that use sequencing, selection, repetition (count-controlled, condition-controlled) and iteration with single entry and exit points.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.2, covering the structural components of programs and writing Python programs that use sequence, selection, count-controlled and condition-controlled repetition, and iteration.
9 min answer →

How do you manipulate strings in Python: length, position, substrings and case conversion?

Write programs that manipulate strings (length, position, substrings, case conversion).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.3.3, covering string manipulation in Python: finding length, accessing characters by position, extracting substrings, and converting case.
9 min answer →

How do you write functions and procedures with parameters, and what is the difference between global and local variables?

Write programs that use pre-existing and user-devised subprograms (procedures, functions), write functions that return values and procedures that do not, with or without parameters, use the arithmetic, relational and logical operators, and use global and local variables appropriately.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.5 and 6.6, covering functions and procedures, parameters and return values, built-in and user-defined subprograms, the operators, and global versus local variables in Python.
10 min answer →

How do you validate user input and authenticate users in a Python program?

Understand the need for and write programs that implement validation (length check, presence check, range check, pattern check) and authentication (ID and password, lookup).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 6.4.3 and 6.4.4, covering the need for validation, the length, presence, range and pattern checks, and authentication by ID and password lookup in Python.
9 min answer →