Introduction to Computer Science: Algorithms, Hardware, and Programming

1️⃣ Computer science is often misunderstood as the study of computers or how to write computer programs, but it is actually the study of algorithms.

2️⃣ An algorithm is an ordered sequence of instructions that solves a specific problem.

✅ Sequential operations carry out a single well-defined task in an algorithm.

🔄 Conditional operations involve asking a question and selecting the next operation based on the answer.

🔒 Boolean data types are used to evaluate conditions and perform logical operations.

🔍 Conditional statements are used to execute specific actions based on whether a condition is true or false.

🔄 Iterative operations, or looping instructions, allow for the repetition of a block of instructions until a certain condition is met.

📝 Algorithms, which are sets of instructions, are used in everyday life for various tasks and also in programming.

📝 The algorithm for adding two digit numbers can be written formally as a sequence of instructions.

🔢 The algorithm involves sequential, conditional, and iterative steps.

🏫 This is the same decimal addition algorithm taught in grade school.

🔑 Formal algorithms are essential in computer science as they enable problem-solving automation.

💡 Computing agents, such as machines, robots, or people, can execute algorithms without understanding the underlying concepts.

⚠️ Unsolvable problems, slow solutions, and unknown solutions are challenges that can arise in algorithmic problem-solving.