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Learn about the importance of testing applications, test plan structure, test types and test data. Resources based on Unit F161 (Developing Application Software) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ) Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) Unit: F161: Developing Application Software 5.1 - Testing Watch on YouTube : Purpose of testing Test plan structure Test data Types of testing You need to know the purpose , importance , advantages and disadvantages of testing applications , as well as the impacts of not carrying out testing . You must understand the structure and contents of test plans and the importance of testing , remedial actions and retesting during application development. You need to know the role of each type of test data (normal , extreme and erroneous ). Finally, the purpose , advantages and disadvantages of each type of testing (technical and user ) must be known as well as when and how each type should take place . What You Need to Know Purpose of Testing ? YouTube video uploading soon Test Plan Structure ? YouTube video uploading soon Types of Test Data ? YouTube video uploading soon Types of Testing ? YouTube video uploading soon Q uesto's Q uestions 5.1 - Testing: 1. What? [2 ] 2. What? [1 ] 3. What? [1 ] 4. What? [1 ] ? D id Y ou K now? 4.1 - Security Considerations Topic List 5.2 - Application Installation

Learn about the three main types of secondary storage - magnetic, optical and solid-state. Also, learn about the characteristics of secondary storage media including reliability and durability. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 2.2: Secondary Storage Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Secondary Storage Six Characteristics Magnetic Storage Optical Storage Solid State Storage Secondary storage is non-volatile storage used to save and store data that can be accessed repeatedly. Secondary storage is not directly embedded on the motherboard (and possibly even external ) and therefore further away from the CPU so it is slower to access then primary storage . Storage Characteristics you should know: CAPACITY : The maximum amount of data that can be stored on the device. DURABILITY : The strength of the device, to last without breaking . PORTABILITY : How easy it is to carry the device around . ACCESS SPEED : How quickly data on the device can be read or edited . COST : The average price it costs to purchase the storage device. RELIABILITY : The likelihood of the device continuing to perform well over time . Magnetic Storage A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD ) is the most common form of secondary storage within desktop computers. A read/write head moves nanometres above the disk platter and uses the magnetic field of the platter to read or edit data. An obsolete (no longer used) type of magnetic storage is a floppy disk but these have been replaced by solid state devices such as USB sticks which are much faster and have a much higher capacity. Another type of magnetic storage that is still used is magnetic tape . Magnetic tape has a high storage capacity but data has to be accessed in order (serial access ) so it is generally only used by companies to back up or archive large amounts of data . Magnetic Storage Characteristics (Hard Disk Drive): ✓ - Large CAPACITY and cheaper COST per gigabyte than solid state . ✓ - Modern external HDDs are small and well protected so they are DURABLE and PORTABLE , however because of the moving parts, they should not be moved when powered on because it can damage the device. X - Slower ACCESS SPEED than solid state but faster than optical storage . Optical Storage Optical storage uses a laser to project beams of light onto a spinning disc, allowing it to read data from a CD , DVD or Blu-Ray . This makes optical storage the slowest of the four types of secondary storage. Disc drives are traditionally internal but external disc drives can be bought for devices like laptops. Magnetic Disks are spelled with a k and Optical Discs have a c. Optical Storage Characteristics: X - Low CAPACITY : 700 MB (CD ), 4.7 GB (DVD ), 25 GB (Blu-ray ). X - Not DURABLE because discs are very fragile and can break or scratch easily. ✓ - Discs are thin and very PORTABLE . Also very cheap to buy in bulk. X - Optical discs have the Slowest ACCESS SPEED . Solid State Storage There are no moving parts in solid state storage. SSD s (Solid State Drives ) are replacing magnetic HDDs (Hard DIsk Drives) in modern computers and video game consoles because they are generally quieter , faster and use less power . A USB flash drive ( USB stick ) is another type of solid state storage that is used to transport files easily because of its small size. Memory cards , like the SD card in a digital camera or a Micro SD card in a smartphone , are another example of solid state storage. Solid State Characteristics: X - More expensive COST per gigabyte than magnetic . ✓ - Usually DURABLE but cheap USB sticks can snap or break . ✓ - The small size of USB sticks and memory cards mean they are very PORTABLE and can fit easily in a bag or pocket. ✓ - Solid State storage have a high CAPACITY and the fastest ACCESS SPEED because they contain no moving parts . Q uesto's Q uestions 2.2 - Secondary Storage: 1. Rank magnetic , optical and solid-state storage in terms of capacity , durability , portability , speed and cost . For example, magnetic has the highest capacity , then solid-state, then optical. This could be completed in a table . [15 ] 2. Justify which secondary storage should be used in each scenario and why it is the most appropriate: a. Sending videos and pictures to family in Australia through the post . [ 2 ] b. Storing a presentation to take into school . [ 2 ] c. Storing project files with other members of a group to work on together . [ 2 ] d. Backing up an old computer with thousands of files to a storage device. [ 2 ] 2.1 - Primary Storage Theory Topics 2.3 - Data Units

Learn about network topologies including client-server, peer-to-peer, bus, mesh and star. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 3.3 - Network Characteristics Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Network Topologies Network topology refers to the arrangement of computer systems on a network . Devices in a network topology diagram are often called ' nodes ' . Client-Server Network Clients make requests to a server , the server manages that request and responds . For example, if the user (client) makes a request to access www.csnewbs.com to a web server . Large services like Amazon and Google will need very powerful servers to handle millions of requests a second. The client is completely dependent on the server to provide and manage the information. The server controls network security , backups and can be upgraded to manage higher demand. Disadvantages: Large amounts of traffic congestion will cause the network to slow down . If a fault occurs with the server then the whole network will fail . IT technicians may be required to manage and maintain the network . Malware , such as viruses, can spread quickly across the network. Peer-to-Peer Network For peer-to-peer networks , data is shared directly between systems without requiring a central server . Each computer is equally responsible for providing data. Peer-to-peer is optimal for sharing files that can then be downloaded. Bus Topology The nodes are connected to a bus (a central cable which transfers all data on the network). How it works: The bus transfers data packets along the cable . As the data packets arrive at each computer system, the computer checks the destination address contained in the packet to see if it matches its own address . If the address does not match , the computer system passes the data packet to the next system . If the address of the computer system matches the destination address in the data packet, it is accepted and processed. At both ends of the cable are terminators to mark the end of the bus. Advantages: Because of the simple layout, it is easy to attach another system to the main cable without disrupting the whole network . A bus topology is quick to set up once the main cable has been established making it optimal for temporary networks . A bus topology is cost-effective because it usually contains less cabling than other topologies and requires no additional hardware (like a hub or switch). Disadvantages: Poor security as data packets are passed on to each system on the network. Data collisions are likely - this is when two systems attempt to transfer data on the same line at the exact same time. Resending the data wastes time and slows down the network . The main cable will only have a limited length which can become crowded and slows network speed as more systems are attached. The main cable must also be terminated properly . Token Ring Topology In a token ring network , computer systems are connected in a ring or a loop. How it works: A token (small data packet) is sent around the ring in one direction, being passed from one computer system to the next. A computer seizes the token and includes its own data when it transfers data. As the token arrives at each computer system, the system checks the destination address contained in the packet to see if it matches its own. If the addresses match, the computer processes the data otherwise it ignores it. Advantages: Data collisions are avoided as data packets are transmitted in one direction around the ring. Attaching more systems to a ring topology won't affect the transfer speed as much as other layouts like a bus topology because the data is transferred at a consistent speed . Disadvantages: If any system on the network fails then the whole network fails as the loop is broken and data can't be transferred to all systems. To add a new system to a ring topology the network must be temporarily shut down . Star Topology In a star network , each computer system is connected to a central node: a hub or switch . How it works: Each node is connected to the central node (usually a hub or switch ) and transfers its data packets here. The hub/switch looks at the destination address and transfers the packets to the intended computer only. Advantages: A star topology has improved security because data packets are sent directly to and from the hub / switch in the centre and not necessarily all devices like in a bus or ring topology. New systems can be attached directly to the central system so the network doesn't need to be shut down . System failures of attached computers won't usually cause complete network failure. Transfer speeds are generally fast in a star topology as there are minimal network collisions . Disadvantages: Extra hardware (the hub or switch) is required to be purchased, installed and maintained. If the central system (the hub or switch) fails then the whole network will be unusable until the error is fixed. Mesh Topology In a mesh network, each computer system is connected to every other computer system . How it works: Data packets are transferred to the destination address along the quickest path, travelling from node to node. If a pathway is broken, there are many alternative paths that the packets can take. Advantages: If one cable or system fails then data packets can take an alternative route and still reach the destination address. Because of the large possible number of systems and connections, a mesh topology can usually withstand large amounts of data traffic . New systems can be added to the network without disrupting the entire topology . Disadvantages: Because of the possibly large amount of cables required (especially in a complete mesh topology) this network layout can be expensive to install and maintain . Redundant cabling should be avoided - this is when cables are connected between systems that won't ever need to communicate . Configuration Before a computer system can use a network, three pieces of information must be configured (set up) correctly. IP Address An IP address is used to uniquely identify computer systems on a network , allowing communication between them. An example of an IP address is 195.10.213.120. Default Gateway When data is to be sent from one network to another , it must be sent through a default gateway . This default gateway is usually a router that connects the local network to another network . On many home networks , the default gateway will use the same private IP address : 192.168.1.1 Network managers can use automatic configuration which is quicker and easier to set up . A new device can connect to and use a network automatically , such as free WiFi in an airport. Network managers can also set manual configuration which improves security as new devices can’t be used until the addresses have been configured by a technician . This stops unauthorised devices from connecting to the network. Subnet Mask Subnetting is the act of dividing a physical network into smaller 'sub' networks (known as subnets ) . This helps to reduce traffic and means that users can externally access parts of a network (e.g. emails from home) without having to open the entire network. A subnet mask is used to define these subnets . The mask is used to determine the start and end address of each IP address in a subnet. A common subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 as making the first 3 sections full restricts the fourth section to 256 unique values. For example 113.12.14.230 and 113.12.14.157 are in the same subnet but 114.12.14.127 wouldn't be. Q uesto's Q uestions 3.3 - Network Characteristics: 1 a. Describe how peer-to-peer networks and client-server networks function. 1b. Give one use for both types of network. 2a. Draw and label a diagram for all 6 network topologies . 2b. Describe 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of each network topology . 3 . What is an IP address ? Why is it necessary for networks? 4. Describe what is meant by a default gateway . 5a. What is subnetting ? 5b. What is the purpose of a subnet mask ? 5c. State a common subnet mask . How many unique devices can be used on a network with this subnet mask? 6. Describe 1 reason why a network manager may use automatic configuration and 1 reason why they may use manual configuration . Advantages: The network can be controlled centrally from the server to easily backup data and update software . Hardware, software and resources can be shared across the network, such as printers, applications and data files . The network allows for improved scalability , meaning more clients can be easily added to the central server . Disadvantages: Without a dedicated server there is no central device to manage security or backups . Backups must be performed on each individual system. Computer performance will decrease with more devices connected to the network, especially if other machines are slow. Advantages: This is a simpler network than client-server to set up as no server is required . Clients are not dependent on a server . Perfect for quickly sharing files between systems , such as downloading media files. 3.2 - Virtualisation Topic List 3.4 - Connection Methods

Learn about different input and output devices, RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory) and storage devices, including solid state, magnetic and optical types. Based on the OCR H446 Computer Science A-Level specification. Exam Board: OCR A-Level 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage Specification: Computer Science H446 Watch on YouTube : Input & output devices Storage devices RAM & ROM Virtual storage This topic covers the internal and external devices required to input data into computer systems , output from them and store data for both temporary and long-term use . Input & Output Devices Input devices , such as a keyboard , mouse , microphone or sensor , allow data to be entered into a computer system for processing . Input can be manual (e.g. typing on a keyboard ) or automatic (e.g. a temperature sensor taking readings ). Output devices , such as monitors , printers and speakers , present the results of processing in a form understandable to humans . Input and output are not limited to text - they may also be visual , audio or tactile (e.g. braille displays or printed paper ). Storage Devices Secondary storage is non-volatile storage used to permanently hold programs and data when not in use by the CPU . There are three types : Magnetic storage uses magnetised patterns on a disk or tape (e.g. hard disk drives or magnetic tape ) to store large amounts of data for a low cost per gigabyte . Solid-state storage uses flash memory with no moving parts (e.g. SSDs and USB drives ), making it very fast , durable and portable . Because there are no moving parts, it is the fastest to access data . Optical storage uses lasers to read and write data as pits and lands on a disc surface (e.g. CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray). Discs are cheap to mass produce , but they are not durable , slow to access and have a low capacity . RAM & ROM Primary storage is low-capacity , internal storage that the CPU can directly access . There are two types: Random Access Memory (RAM ) is volatile storage that temporarily holds both programs and data currently in use , including the operating system . It can be read from and written to , but all contents are lost when the power is turned off . Read Only Memory (ROM ) is non-volatile storage that normally cannot be changed . The contents of ROM are saved when the power is turned off . ROM stores the BIOS and firmware , including the instructions needed to boot the computer when it is switched on . Virtual Storage Virtual storage is the separation of logical storage from physical storage , such as when data is stored remotely and accessed over a network instead of being kept locally . A common example is cloud storage , where data is held on remote servers and accessed via the internet . Benefits are that it is scalable , enables easy collaboration , provides automatic backup and saves local storage space . Drawbacks include that it relies on a stable internet connection , poses security risks and reduces user control over data . Q uesto's K ey T erms Input & Output Devices Secondary Storage: magnetic, solid state, optical, portability, capacity, cost (per GB), access speed, reliability, durability, power consumption Primary Storage: RAM, ROM, volatile, non-volatile Virtual Storage: cloud storage D id Y ou K now? The first commercial hard disk drive , the IBM 305 RAMAC (released in 1956 ), was the size of two fridges , weighed around a tonne , and stored just 5 MB of data - about the same as one .mp3 song . 1.2 - Types of Processor A-Level Topics 2.1 - Systems Software

Test your understanding of subroutines (procedures and functions) in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python - Section 7 Practice Tasks Task One Example solution: Create a program with three different subroutines (procedures ). One subroutine asks the user their name and prints a response. The second asks for their age and prints a response. The third asks for their favourite colour and prints a response. Remember to write subroutines before the main program. Task Two Create a program that asks a user to input the length of a side in a square. Write a function that takes this value and returns it to be printed. Example solution: Task Three Example solution: Create a program that takes 3 inputs from the user – a name, a villain and a place. Write a function that outputs a story using the user’s answers. Task Four Create a calculator program that uses four different subroutines (add, subtract, multiply and divide). In the main program ask the user to make a choice of which operator to use and then to enter two numbers. Keep looping until the user types stop. Use the 'Using Subroutines as a Menu' section in the 7b to help you. Example solution: ⬅ 7b - Functions 8a - Using Lists ➡

Learn how to create, open and write to files in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Python 10a - Open & Write To Files Creating and Opening Files The "a" opens the file in append mode which will add new data to the end of the file. The open command is used to open files but it is also used to create new files . 'file' is just a variable and can be more relevant such as customer_file or whatever your file will be storing. Python looks in the same folder as your .py file and checks to see if Customers.txt already exists. If it doesn't exist, it will create the file . The .txt extension will create a Notepad file. You can use alternatives such as .text or .docs. Writing to a File In the example below I ask the user to input a name which is written to the Names.txt file. The .write command writes the contents of the brackets to the file . You must close the file with the .close() command or the contents will not be saved . The .write command can be adapted depending on how you want the file to appear: Your text file won't update while it is open . Close it and open it again to see any changes . If you make any mistakes, just edit the file by hand and save it again. Practice Task 1 Create a new file called MyFriends.txt Ask the user to enter 5 names. Write the 5 names into a file. Place each name on a separate line. Check the file to see if the names have been entered. Example solution: Writing Multiple Lines to a File Files are often used to store data about multiple people . The program below asks for a customer's name, appointment date and VIP status then saves this information into a file. The plus symbol is used to write information for a single customer on the same line . This is beneficial if you want to search for a customer later. Practice Task 2 Create a new file called ALevels.txt Ask the user to enter a student's name and their three A-Level subjects. Write each student's information on the same line. Enter at least three different students and check your file to see it has worked. Example solution: ⬅ Section 9 Practice Tasks 10b - Read & Search Files ➡

Learn about the three elements of computational thinking - abstraction, decomposition and algorithmic thinking. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 1.1: Computational Thinking Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 There are three key components to computational thinking (smart problem solving): Abstraction is when you ignore unnecessary information and focus only on the important facts . Abstraction is used because it simplifies a problem to make it less complex . This makes it more straightforward to understand the problem and create a solution . Decomposition is when you break a problem down into smaller tasks so that it is easier to solve . Each individual problem can be separately tested and solved . Decomposition also enables different people to work on the different parts of a larger problem that can later be recombined to produce a full solution . Algorithmic thinking is the final stage as logical steps are followed to solve the problem . The problem is broken down using decomposition into smaller problems . The required data and relevant data structures are considered using abstraction . Watch on YouTube : Abstraction Decomposition Algorithmic Thinking Q uesto's Q uestions 1.1 - Computational Thinking: 1. What does the term 'abstraction ' mean? Why is it important ? [2 ] 2. What is meant by ' decomposition '? Why is it important ? [ 2 ] 3. What is algorithmic thinking ? What does it involve? [3 ] Theory Topics 1.2 - Designing Algorithms

Learn how to input numbers in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 2B - Inputting Numbers Inputting Whole Numbers in Python To enter whole numbers then you must use the int command. int stands for integer (a whole number ) and is typed before input – don’t forget the double brackets at the end . age = int ( input ( "How old are you? " )) print ( "Have you really lived for " , age , "years?" ) = How old are you? 99 Have you really lived for 99 years? Inputting Numbers Task 1 ( Zoo) Type an input line (with int ) to ask the user how many times they’ve been to the zoo . Print a reply that uses the zoo variable (their answer). Example solution: How many times have you been to the zoo? 3 You've been to the zoo 3 times? I love animals! Inputting Decimal Numbers in Python Using float instead of int allows a decimal number to be entered instead. Again, don’t forget the double brackets at the end . miles = float ( input ( "How far have you walked today? " )) print ( "You really walked for " , miles , "miles? Wow!" ) = How far have you walked today? 5.6 You really walked for 5.6 miles? Wow! Inputting Numbers Task 2 ( Height ) Type an input line (with float ) to ask the user their height in metres. Print a reply that uses the height variable (their answer). Example solution: What is your height in metres? 1.82 You are 1.82 metres tall? Wow! ⬅ 2a - Inputting Text Sect ion 2 Practice Tasks ➡

Learn how to use App Inventor 2 to create simple programs. Perfect for key Stage 3 students to experiment with block coding and objects What is App Inventor? App Inventor 2 Link App Inventor 2 is software developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT ), a research university in America. It allows users to create simple apps and learn about the way that they work in a fun manner. There is no need to learn how to program with text editors as everything is based around blocks, a bit like Scratch. To open App Inventor 2 (the current version of the program) click the button in the top right. You will need to log in with a Google account. There are two layouts to App Inventor, Designer and Blocks . You can switch between them with the bottoms in the top right corner. This guide will show you how to make seven simple programs and introduce you to programming concepts such as variables and properties . Download all App Inventor images you will need for the 7 tasks by clicking the camera icon. Note to Computer Science Teachers - The easiest way to test programs made using App Inventor 2 is using the emulator which should be pre-installed by the IT technician team at your school. See here for information on how to set it up. Also, Google accounts are required to access and use App Inventor 2. Viewer - This is a mock-up of what your app will look like. Components - Each component can be renamed or deleted here. Designer Layout Palette - Drag the component that you want to use in your app, into the centre. Properties - Edit the settings for each component. Media - Upload images and sound here before they can be used in your app. Blocks Layout Viewer - This is space for you to drag blocks to make things happen. Blocks - Drag the code block that you want to use into the centre. The blocks connect together like in Scratch. Warnings - Any errors with your code will be displayed here. Backpack - Drag code into to backpack to store it for later. KS3 Home Tasks 1 & 2

Navigate between all Unit 1 (Fundamentals of IT) topics in the OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT 2016 specification. OCR Cambridge Technicals IT Level 3 Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT These pages are based on content from the OCR Cambridge Technicals 2016 Level 3 IT specification . This website is in no way affiliated with OCR . This qualification stopped in July 2025. The pages on the site will remain for at least two years. LO1 (Computer Hardware ) 1.1 - Computer Hardware 1.2 - Computer Components 1.3 - Types of Computer System 1.4 - Connectivity 1.5 - Communication Hardware 1.6 - Hardware Troubleshooting 1.7 - Units of Measurement 1.8 & 1.9 - Number Systems & Conversion LO2 (Computer Software ) 2.1 - Types of Software 2.2 - Applications Software 2.3 - Utility Software 2.4 - Operating Systems 2.5 - Communication Methods 2.6 - Software Troubleshooting 2.7 - Protocols LO3 (Networks & Systems ) 3.1 - Server Types 3.2 - Virtualisation 3.3 - Network Characteristics 3.4 - Connection Methods 3.5 - Business Systems LO4 ( Employability & Communication ) 4.1 - Communication Skills 4.2 - Communication Technology 4.3 - Personal Attributes 4.4 - Ready for Work 4.5 - Job Roles 4.6 & 4.7 - Bodies & Certification LO5 (Issues & Security ) 5.1 - Ethical Issues 5.2 - Operational Issues 5.3 - Threats 5.4 - Physical Security 5.5 - Digital Security 5.6 - Data & System Disposal

Learn about policies related to application development, including a user guide, acceptable use policy (AUP), backup, codes of practice, staying safe online and the use of information. Resources based on Unit F161 (Developing Application Software) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ) Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) Unit: F161: Developing Application Software 5.3 - Policies Watch on YouTube : Policies You need to know the purpose , content and application of each policy to be considered when related to developing application platforms . What You Need to Know Policies ? YouTube video uploading soon Q uesto's Q uestions 5.3 - Policies: 1. What? [2 ] 2. What? [1 ] 3. What? [1 ] 4. What? [1 ] ? D id Y ou K now? 5.2 - Application Installation Topic List 6.1 - Legal Considerations

Learn how to create and use lists in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 8a - Using Lists Lists A list is a temporary data structure . Any changes made to the list while the program is running will not be saved the next time it is run . Data can be added to and removed from lists so they can change in size (unlike an array which is fixed and not used in Python). It is important to note that each data element in a list has an index so that it can be specifically referenced (to delete it for example) and that indexes start at 0 . A list of the rainbow colours in order would start at 0 like this: Creating & Printing Lists Lists use square brackets in Python. Separate list items with commas . Strings must use speech marks and integers do not use speech marks. people = [ "Alan" , "Jesse" , "Max" , "Jack" ] years = [ 2010, 2019, 2001, 2016 ] There are many different ways to print items from a list depending on how you want it to look . Print all items on one line Type the list name into a print command to output the complete list . Typing an asterisk * before the list name removes punctuation . cities = [ "Shanghai" , "Sao Paolo" , "Bishkek" , "Asmara" ] print (cities) cities = [ "Shanghai" , "Sao Paolo" , "Bishkek" , "Asmara" ] print (*cities) ['Shanghai', 'Sao Paolo', 'Bishkek', 'Asmara'] Shanghai Sao Paolo Bishkek Asmara Print each item on a separate line To print a list line-by-line use a for loop to cycle through each item. 'city ' is just a variable name and can be replaced with the traditional 'i ' or anything relevant to the context, such as 'colour ' in a list of colours or 'name ' in a list of people. cities = [ "Shanghai" , "Sao Paolo" , "Bishkek" , "Asmara" ] for city in cities: print (city) Shanghai Sao Paolo Bishkek Asmara Print separated items on one line To print separated data elements on the same line then you can use the end command which defines what should go after each item . The example below uses slashes but end = " , " would add comma and space between each element. cities = [ "Shanghai" , "Sao Paolo" , "Bishkek" , "Asmara" ] for city in cities: print (city, end = " / " ) Shanghai / Sao Paolo / Bishkek / Asmara / Print specific list items To print an element with a certain index , put the index in square brackets . But remember that the index starts at 0 not 1. cities = [ "Shanghai" , "Sao Paolo" , "Bishkek" , "Asmara" ] print ( "The first city is" , cities[0]) print (cities[2], "is the third city" ) The first city is Shanghai Bishkek is the third city Create a list of five different foods . Print all list items on one line . Then print each item on a different line . Finally print just the first and fifth items . Example solution: lettuce yoghurt tomato artichoke tuna lettuce yoghurt tomato artichoke tuna The first item is lettuce The fifth item is tuna Lists Task 1 (Five Foods ) Lists Task 2 (Four Numbers ) Create a list of four integer values . Print all list items on one line separated by colons . Example solutions: 345:123:932:758: 812:153:783:603: Add (Append / Insert) to a List Append items to the end of a list To add a new item to the end of a list use the .append() command. Write .append() after the name of your list, with the new data in brackets . pets = [ "dog" , "cat" , "hamster" ] pets.append( "rabbit" ) print (*pets) fillings = [ "ham" , "cheese" , "onion" ] extra = input ( "Enter another filling: " ) fillings.append(extra) print ( "Your sandwich:" , *fillings) dog cat hamster rabbit Enter another filling: lettuce Your sandwich: ham cheese onion lettuce Insert items to a specific index Use the insert command to place an item in a specific position within the list. Remember that Python counts from 0 so the medals example below puts "silver" as index 2 , which is actually the 3rd item . medals = [ "platinum" , "gold" , "bronze" ] medals.insert(2, "silver" ) print (*medals) names = [ "Stacy" , "Charli" , "Jasper" , "Tom" ] name = input ( "Enter a name: " ) position = int ( input ( "Enter an index: " )) names.insert(position,name) print (*names) platinum gold silver bronze Enter a name: Lena Enter an index: 0 Lena Stacy Charli Jasper Tom Enter a name: Pat Enter an index: 3 Stacy Charli Jasper Pat Tom Use a loop to add items to a list A for loop can be used to add a certain number of items to a list. A while loop can be used to keep adding values until a certain value (e.g. ' stop ' or ' end ') is input. animals = [ ] for i in range (4): animal = input ( "Enter an animal: " ) animals.append(animal) print ( "\nAnimals:" , *animals) animals = [ ] while True : animal = input ( "Enter an animal: " ) if animal == "stop" : break else : animals.append(animal) print ( "\nAnimals:" , *animals) Enter an animal: lion Enter an animal: horse Enter an animal: hyena Enter an animal: squirrel Animals: lion horse hyena squirrel Enter an animal: rhino Enter an animal: gazelle Enter an animal: deer Enter an animal: stop Animals: rhino gazelle deer Example solution: Lists Task 3 (Favourite Musicicans ) Create a list of three musicians or bands you like . Print the list . Then append two new bands using two inputs . Print the list again. Use the sandwich filling example for help. Musicians I like: Lana Del Rey Devon Cole Elly Duhé Enter another musician: Charli XCX Enter another musician: Kenya Grace Musicians I like: Lana Del Rey Devon Cole Elly Duhé Charli XCX Kenya Grace Lists Task 4 (Missing 7 ) Create a list of numbers in order from 1 to 10 but miss out 7 . Use the insert command to add 7 in the correct place . Print the list before and after you insert 7. Example solution: 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lists Task 5 ('Land' Countries ) Use a while True loop to input countries that end in 'land' until the word 'finish ' is input . Print the list at the end. Note: You do not need to check if the countries entered are correct. There are also more than four. Example solution: Enter a country ending in 'land': Iceland Enter a country ending in 'land': Poland Enter a country ending in 'land': Switzerland Enter a country ending in 'land': Thailand Enter a country ending in 'land': finish Country list: Iceland Poland Switzerland Thailand Delete (Remove/Pop) from a List Delete items with a specific value To delete data with a certain value use the .remove() command, with the value in brackets . trees = [ "fir" , "elm" , "oak" , "yew" ] trees.remove( "elm" ) print (*trees) fir oak yew trees = [ "fir" , "elm" , "oak" , "yew" ] tree = input ( "Select a tree to remove: " ) trees.remove(tree) print (*trees) Select a tree to remove: oak fir elm yew Delete items with a specific index To delete data in a specific position in your list use the .pop() command, with the position in the brackets . Remember that indexes start at 0 so .pop(0) removes the first item . Negative values start from the end of the list , so -1 is the final item and -2 is the second last item and so on. kitchen = [ "plate" , "cup" , "spoon" , "jug" ] kitchen.pop(0) print (*kitchen) kitchen = [ "plate" , "cup" , "spoon" , "jug" ] kitchen.pop(-2) print (*kitchen) kitchen = [ "plate" , "cup" , "spoon" , "jug" ] index = int ( input ( "Select an index: " )) kitchen.pop(index) print (*kitchen) cup spoon jug plate cup jug Select an index: 1 plate spoon jug Delete all items in a list To delete data in a list use the .clear() command. insects = [ "ant" , "bee" , "wasp" ] insects.clear() insects.append( "hornet" ) print (*insects) hornet Lists Task 6 (Day Off ) Example solution: Create a list with the five week days . Ask the user to input a weekday and remove that day from the list. Print the list. Which day do you want off? Tuesday Your new days of work: Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Lists Task 7 (May and October ) Create a list with the twelve months in order . Delete May and then October using the pop command by referring to their indexes in the list. Print the list. Note: Be aware the index of each month after May will change when May is popped from the list. Example solution: January February March April June July August September November December Finding the Length of a List To find the length of a list use the len function. You can create a separate variable for the length (shown in the first example below) or use the len command directly (second example). states = [ "Maine" , "Utah" , "Ohio" , "Iowa" ] length = len (states) print ( "There are" , length , "states in the list." ) states = [ "Maine" , "Utah" , "Ohio" , "Iowa" ] print ( "There are" , len (states), "states in the list." ) There are 4 states in the list. Lists Task 8 (Q Words ) Use a while True loop to input words beginning with q until the word ' stop ' is entered. Then use len to find the length of the list and print this value. Note: You do not need to check if the entered words actually start with q. Example solution: Input a Q word: question Input a Q word: quick Input a Q word: quiet Input a Q word: quandry Input a Q word: stop You wrote 4 Q words! Cycle Through List Items A for loop can be used to cycle through each item in a list. The following examples present some ways that this may be used. This program uses a for loop to add a word (David) before each list item. davids = [ "Beckham" , "Attenborough" , "Schwimmer" , "Tennant" , "Lynch" ] for i in range (5): print ( "David" , davids[i]) David Beckham David Attenborough David Schwimmer David Tennant David Lynch An if statement can be used within a for loop to check the value of each item . The example below checks how many items are 'medium'. sizes = [ "small" , "medium" , "small" , "large" , "medium" , "small" ] count = 0 for i in range (6): if sizes[i] == "medium" : count = count + 1 print ( "There were" ,count, "medium choices." ) There were 2 medium choices. The program below uses a while loop to allow entries until 'stop ' is input then a for loop to check the value of each item . Because the final length of the list is not known when the program starts, the len command is used in the range of the for loop . sports = [] fcount = 0 rcount = 0 while True : option = input ( "Choose football or rugby: " ) sports.append(option) if option == "stop" : break for i in range ( len (sports)): if sports[i] == "football" : fcount = fcount + 1 elif sports[i] == "rugby" : rcount = rcount + 1 print ( "\nResults:" ,fcount, "people chose football and" ,rcount, "chose rugby." ) Choose football or rugby: rugby Choose football or rugby: rugby Choose football or rugby: football Choose football or rugby: rugby Choose football or rugby: football Choose football or rugby: stop Results: 2 people chose football and 3 chose rugby. Lists Task 9 (Over 25 ) Create a list with the following eight numbers: 13, 90, 23, 43, 55, 21, 78, 33 Use a for loop to cycle through the list and check if each item is over 25 . Use a count variable to increase by 1 if the number is over 25. At the end print how many numbers are over 25 - there are five . Example solution: 5 numbers are over 25. Lists Task 10 (Favourite Lesson ) Use a while True loop to keep inputting school subjects until ' done ' is entered. Keep a count of how many times ' Maths ' is entered. Print the total number of people who entered maths. Example solution: Enter a subject: English Enter a subject: Maths Enter a subject: Art Enter a subject: Maths Enter a subject: History Enter a subject: done There were 2 people who chose maths. Sorting Lists The .sort() command will sort elements in a list into alphabetical order (if a string ) or numerical order (if a number ). names = [ "Robb" , "Jon" , "Sansa" , "Arya" , "Bran" , "Rickon" ] print ( "Original:" , *names) names.sort() print ( "Sorted:" , *names) Original: Robb Jon Sansa Arya Bran Rickon Sorted: Arya Bran Jon Rickon Robb Sansa numbers = [56,98,23,12,45] numbers.sort() print (*numbers) 12 23 45 56 98 The .sort() command can be used to sort values in descending order by including reverse = True in the brackets. names = [ "Robb" , "Jon" , "Sansa" , "Arya" , "Bran" , "Rickon" ] print ( "Original:" , *names) names.sort(reverse = True ) print ( "Sorted:" , *names) Original: Robb Jon Sansa Arya Bran Rickon Sorted: Sansa Robb Rickon Jon Bran Arya numbers = [56,98,23,12,45] numbers.sort(reverse = True ) print (*numbers) 98 56 45 23 12 Lists Task 11 (Sorted Fruit ) Example solution: Use a for loop to append six fruits to an empty list. Sort the list into alphabetical order and print it. Enter a fruit: strawberry Enter a fruit: kiwi Enter a fruit: lemon Enter a fruit: pear Enter a fruit: orange Enter a fruit: mango Sorted fruit: kiwi lemon mango orange pear strawberry Searching Through Lists A simple if statement can be used to see if a certain value appears within a list. names = [ "Alex" , "Bill" , "Charlie" , "Darla" ] name = input ( "Enter a name: " ) if name in names: print ( "Yes," , name , "is in the list." ) else : print ( "Sorry," , name , "is not in the list." ) Enter a name: Bill Yes, Bill is in the list. Enter a name: Sadie Sorry, Sadie is not in the list. Lists Task 12 (Packed Suitcase ) Example solutions: Create a list with five items to take on holiday. Ask the user to input an item and use an if statement to check if it is or isn't in the list. What should I pack? sun cream I've already packed sun cream What should I pack? toothpaste Whoops! I forgot to pack toothpaste Calculating the Sum of a List To calculate the sum of a list of numbers there are two methods. Using Python's built-in sum function : numbers = [1,4,2,3,4,5] print ( sum (numbers)) Both methods will result in the same output : 19 Using a for loop to cycle through each number in the list and add it to a total . numbers = [1,4,2,3,4,5] total = 0 for number in numbers: total = total + number print (total) Lists Task 13 (Sum and Average ) Example solution: Use a for loop to ask the user to input 5 numbers and append each to a list. Use the sum command to output the total and use it calculate the average . Enter a number: 6 Enter a number : 7 Enter a number : 6 Enter a number : 9 Enter a number : 4 The total is 32 The average is 6.4 Extending a List .extend() can be used in a similar way to .append() that adds iterable items to the end of a list . This commands works well with the choice command (imported from the random library ) to create a list of characters that can be randomly selected. The code below adds a lowercase alphabet to an empty list and then, depending on the choice of the user, adds an uppercase alphabet too. The choice command is used in a loop to randomly select 5 characters. Using .extend() to make a random 5-character code from random import choice list = [] list. extend ( "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz" ) upper = input ( "Include uppercase letters? " ) if upper == "yes" : list. extend ( "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ" ) code = "" for number in range (5): letter = choice (list) code = code + letter print ( "Your five character code is" , code) Possible outputs: Include uppercase letters? yes Your five character code is yPfRe Include uppercase letters? yes Your five character code is GJuQw = Include uppercase letters? no Your five character code is gberv Extend treats each character as an indidual item whereas append adds the whole string as a single entity . Most of time append would be used, but extend is suitable for a password program as additional individual characters can be added to a list depending on the parameters (e.g. lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers and special characters). list = [] list. extend ( "ABCD" ) list. extend ("EFGH" ) print (list) list = [] list. append ( "ABCD" ) list. append ("EFGH" ) print (list) ['A','B','C','D','E','F','G','H'] ['ABCD' , 'EFGH'] = = Practice Task 14 Use the code above (for a 5-character code ) to help you make a password generator . Ask the user if they want uppercase letters , numbers and special characters and use the extend command to add them to a list of characters if they type yes (you should extend lowercase characters into an empty list regardless, like in the code above). Use a for loop and the choice command (imported from the random library) to randomly generate a 10-character password . Example solutions: Include uppercase letters? yes Include numbers? yes Include special characters? yes Your new password is RjWSbT&gW5 Include uppercase letters? no Include numbers? yes Include special characters? no Your new password is hdf8se9y2w ⬅ Section 7 Practice Tasks 8b - 2D Lists ➡