Learn about arrays, records and SQL (structured query language) including the SELECT, FROM and WHERE commands. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 2.3: Additional Programming Techniques Watch on YouTube : String Manipulation File Handling Arrays Subprograms Random Numbers SQL This section of the specification includes programming topics that are outlined in 1.2 (Designing Algorithms). You must have an understanding of more complex programming techniques , such as how to manipulate strings , handle files and use subprograms . The best practice for learning is to try the tasks in the Python pages on this website (see the link to the right). Visit the Python section of CSNewbs ---> Subprograms What is a subprogram? Large programs are often broken down into smaller subprograms (also called subroutines ). Each subprogram focuses on a specific function of the code, helping to decompose a complex problem into more manageable chunks . Defining subprograms A subprogram is defined (identified) using the def command in Python. A program may use many subprograms , which are usually defined at the start of the code . Calling subprograms Running a line of code that includes the name of a subprogram will call (activate) it. When called , the program will run the subprogram code before returning back to the line that called it . Subprograms are only run when called , so depending on decisions made, a program may end without calling every (or any) subroutine. Parameters A parameter is a value that is passed into a subprogram when it is called , allowing the value to be used within the subprogram . A subprogram may not use a parameter , e.g. multiply() , or one parameter , e.g. multiply(num) , or several e.g. multiply(num1,num2) . Any parameters must be identified when the subprogram is defined , e.g. def multiply(num): Return The return command will send a value back to the line the subprogram was called on, allowing it to be used there . For example, the 'quad' subprogram in the example below returns the value of the 'result' variable back to the main program, allowing it to be printed . A subprogram will end either by reaching the last line of code within it, or when it reaches a return command . Subprograms that return a value are called functions . Subprogram example This subprogram is defined using the identifier 'quad ' with a parameter named number . The subprogram is called in the main program, multiplies the number passed in as a parameter by 4 and returns a value back to the main program to be printed. def quad (number): result = number * 4 return result #Main Program number = int ( input ( "Enter a number: " )) print ( "The number quadrupled is" , quad(number)) Enter a number: 5 The number quadrupled is 20 Functions and Procedures There are two types of subprograms . A function is a subprogram that returns a value , using the return command, which allows the value to be used in the line of code the function was called in. The 'divide' function below returns the value of the variable 'total' to the main program to be printed. A procedure is a subprogram that does not return a value . Example of a Procedure def multiply (num): total = num * 2 print ( "The number doubled is" , total) #Main Program num = int ( input ( "Enter a number: " )) multiply(num) Enter a number: 4 The number doubled is 8 Example of a Function def divide (num): total = num / 2 return total #Main Program num = int ( input ( "Enter a number: " )) print ( "The number halved is" , divide(num)) Enter a number: 9 The number halved is 4.5 Advantages of using subprograms Subprograms break a complex program down into smaller parts , making it easier to design and test . Each subroutine can be tested separately and abstraction can be used to simplify a complicated problem . Using subprograms allows code to be easily reused in other programs , as it has already been written , making it quicker to develop new programs or build on existing work. Using subprograms avoids code repetition , as they can be called as many times as necessary . This makes programs shorter and quicker to develop , making them easier to maintain and debug . Work can easily be split up between team members to work on different subprograms at the same time . Array An array is a static data structure that can hold a fixed number of data elements . Each data element must be of the same data type i.e. real, integer, string. The elements in an array are identified by a number that indicates their position in the array. This number is known as the index. The first element in an array always has an index of 0 . You should know how to write pseudo code that manipulates arrays to traverse , add , remove and search for data . The following steps use Python as an example, although Python does not use arrays and uses a similar data structure called a list (that can change in size as the program runs ). See the 8a and 8b Python pages for tasks on how to use lists . What Traversing an Array To traverse (' move through ') an array a for loop can be used to display each data element in order. Example code for traversing: Output: 'Inserting' a value In an array the size is fixed so you cannot insert new values, but you can change the value of elements that already exist. Overwriting the fourth element (Daphne) with a new value (Laura) will change it from Daphne to Laura. Example code for inserting: Output: 'Deleting' a value In an array the size is fixed so you cannot delete values, but you can overwrite them as blank . Overwriting the second element (Shaggy) with a blank space makes it appear deleted. Example code for deleting: Output: Searching an Array For large arrays a for loop is needed to search through each element for a specific value . This example checks each name to see if it is equal to Velma. Example code for searching: Output: Two-Dimensional Array Often the data we want to process comes in the form of a table . The data in a two dimensional array must still all be of the same data type , but can have multiple rows and columns . The two-dimensional array to the right shows the characters from Scooby Doo along with their associated colour and their species. Each value in the array is represented by an index still, but now the index has two values . For example [3] [0] is 'Daphne'. Unless stated in an exam , measure row first , then column . Searching a two-dimensional array: To print a specific data element you can just use the index number like Daphne above. To search for a specific value you will need two for loops , one for the row and another for the values of each row . The example to the right is looking for the value of ' Velma ' and when it is found it prints the associated data from the whole row . Example code for printing: Output: Example code for searching: Output: Records Unlike arrays, records can store data of different data types . Each record is made up of information about one person or thing . Each piece of information in the record is called a field (each row name). Records should have a key field - this is unique data that identifies each record . For example Student ID is a good key field for a record on students as no two students can have the same Student ID. A 2D array may be used to represent database tables of records and fields . SQL SQL (structured query language ) is a language that can be used to search for data in a database . The format of an SQL statement is: SELECT field1, field2, field3… FROM table WHERE criteria Example of an SQL statement using the Cars table: SELECT Make, Colour FROM Cars WHERE Miles > 1000 AND Age > 8 Cars table SQL uses wildcards which are symbols used to substitute characters . The * symbol represents ALL fields . Example: SELECT * FROM Cars WHERE Colour = “blue” < Click the banner to try a self-marking quiz (Google Form) about records and SQL. Q uesto's Q uestions 2.3 - Additional Programming Techniques: 1a. Describe what the following terms mean: subprogram , parameter , function , procedure . [ 2 each ] 1b. Describe three advantages of using subprograms . [ 6 ] 2. Describe the differences between a 1D array , 2D array and record . [ 3 ] 3. A one-dimensional array looks like this: TigerBreeds["Sumatran","Indian","Malayan,"Amur"] Write the code to: a. Print the element with the index of 3. [ 2 ] b. Change Indian to South China. [ 2 ] c. Remove the Amur element. [ 2 ] d. Search through the array for 'Malayan'. [ 2 ] 4a. Use the Cars table above to write the SQL statement to display the make and miles for cars that are grey OR blue . [ 3 ] 4b. Write an SQL statement to display all fields for cars that are 10 years old or less . [ 3 ] 2.2 Data Types Theory Topics 3.1 - Defensive Design

Learn about the differences between CISC and RISC processors, GPUs and multicore and parallel systems. Based on the OCR H446 Computer Science A-Level specification. Exam Board: OCR A-Level 1.2 - Types of Processor Specification: Computer Science H446 Watch on YouTube : CISC and RISC GPUs Multicore & parallel systems Instruction Sets An instruction set is the complete list of machine code instructions a CPU is designed to execute as part of the FDE cycle . CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer ) CPUs have a large set of complex instructions , so tasks can be achieved in fewer lines of code , but some instructions take multiple clock cycles . RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer ) CPUs use a smaller set of simple instructions , each designed to execute in a single clock cycle , making execution faster but sometimes requiring more instructions overall . GPUs A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit ) is a co-processor with thousands of smaller cores designed for parallel processing . This is in contrast to the CPU , which has fewer but more powerful cores . GPUs are used for rendering images , animations and video for fast , realistic graphics in games and multimedia . Because of their ability to handle many calculations at once , GPUs are widely used for non-graphical purposes too, such as machine learning , scientific simulations , data analysis and cryptocurrency mining . Multicore & Parallel Systems A multicore processor has multiple independent cores on a single CPU chip . Each core can carry out its own FDE cycle , so tasks can be split up , enabling multitasking and faster processing . However, only software designed to use multiple cores will benefit from this increased performance . A parallel system uses multiple processors (or cores ) working together on the same problem at the same time . This may involve multiple cores within one CPU or multiple CPUs in a single machine . Parallel processing greatly improves performance for tasks that can be divided into smaller sub-tasks , such as simulations and graphics rendering . However, some problems cannot be parallelised because they must be executed sequentially . Q uesto's K ey T erms Instruction Sets: instruction set, complex instruction set computer (CISC) , reduced instruction set computer (RISC) GPUs: graphics processing unit (GPU) Multicore Systems: multicore systems, parallel processing D id Y ou K now? Sony coined the term ' GPU ' for the PlayStation (1994), making it one of the first home consoles with a dedicated graphics processor . The term was later popularised further by NVIDIA in 1999 with the GeForce 256 . 1.1 - The Processor A-Level Topics 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage

Learn about the purpose and characteristics of the eight application types, including examples. Application types include communication, educational, entertainment, games, lifestyle, productivity, protection & utility and web browsers. Resources based on Unit F160 (Fundamentals of Application Development) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ) Unit: F160: Fundamentals of Application Development Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) 1.3.1 - Application Types Watch on YouTube : Application Types There are several types of applications that can be developed , each with a different purpose and common characteristics . There are eight application types you need to know for this 'Fundamentals of Application Development ' unit, including their purpose and common characteristics . Communication Purpose: Communication applications allow users to exchange information with others , most often in real-time . Data can be transferred in a range of formats including text , images and video . Education Purpose: To teach users about specific topics and help people learn new skills . This may be aimed at certain ages or user groups such as those learning a new language . Characteristics of Communication Applications: Has a simple user interface designed for quick and reliable data exchange . Supports multiple formats (text , images , audio , video and files ). Requires a network connection to send and receive data . Often has built-in security and privacy , such as end-to-end encryption . May use presence awareness such as showing ‘typing… ’ or ‘online now ’. Characteristics of Education Applications: It may be structured around learning milestones or long-term goals . Often interactive , such as quick quizzes or regular recaps of topics. Could include different formats of learning (such as text , visuals or audio ). Usually tracks skills or scores over time to show progress in a user-friendly way . Age-appropriate in content and design , possibly with difficulty levels . Examples: WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, Slack, Gmail Examples: Duolingo, Kahoot!, Quizlet, Memrise, Anki Entertainment Purpose: To provide enjoyment through formats such as video or audio , often with automatic suggestions based on previous interactions including watched videos , likes or comments . Characteristics of Entertainment Applications: Simple design to focus on keeping users engaged . May include streamed media content or the option to download . Designed for passive or relaxed use , e.g. watching or listening without interacting . Uses algorithms for recommendations based on user preferences . May include social features such as comments or sharing with friends . Examples: Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, YouTube, Twitch Games Purpose: To offer interactive challenges in a fun and possibly competitive way. Games may be played together online or offline for a single-player experience . Characteristics of Game Applications: Based on clear rules and objectives with reward systems , e.g. achievements . High interactivity and quick responsiveness to keep players engaged . Requires graphical rendering , user inputs and sound design . May support local multiplayer or online play with competition , like leaderboards . Often has a range of difficulty levels to keep players challenged . Examples: Minecraft, Fortnite, Among Us, EA Sports FC, Candy Crush Lifestyle Purpose: Supports a healthy and organised way of living . They often help people to manage their daily tasks and form positive personal routines . Productivity Purpose: To support users to complete tasks , manage their time or organise information in a helpful way , all to to maximise productivity . Characteristics of Lifestyle Applications: Often personalised to user preferences or personal data . May use real-time inputs such as location or health data , like steps taken . It may be integrated with smart wearable devices such as a smartwatch . Designed to be used briefly but daily (e.g. checking steps or logging meals ). Encourages improved habits or healthier improvements . Characteristics of Productivity Applications: Has a focus on efficiency , reliability and easy usability . Often allows collaboration and file sharing (e.g. working with colleagues ). Prioritises data organisation and quick access to relevant information . Usually integrated with cloud services or other apps like calendars . It may be designed for professional , personal or educational use . Examples: MyFitness Pal, Noom, Headspace, FitBit, Couch to 5k Examples: Microsoft Word, Calendar, Google Drive, Notion, Trello Protection & Utility Purpose: To secure the computer system against malicious threats and perform housekeeping tasks that maintain stability and a smooth performance . Characteristics of Protection & Utility Applications: Works in the background without frequent user interaction . Often requires permissions to access sensitive data . Needs to be updated frequently , e.g. adding new virus signatures to the database of an antivirus . May be event-driven (e.g. alerts or automatic scans at regular intervals ). Should use low system resources if it needs to be running constantly . Web Browsers Purpose: Accesses , retrieves and displays web pages from web servers . It provides tools like bookmarks , tabs and history to help users easily navigate the interne t. Characteristics of Web Browser Applications: Displays webpages that are built using HTML , CSS and JavaScript . Supports security protocols such as HTTPS , which uses encryption . Enables customisation and user control , e.g. bookmarks , extensions and themes . Contains an address bar to directly type in URLs or search terms . Allows for multiple tabs to run concurrently . Types of Application Examples: Avast Antivirus, CCleaner, 1Password, Battery Saver, Microsoft Defender Examples: Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera Q uesto's Q uestions 1.3.1 - Application Types: 1. Choose four application types and explain how each can be used in a school . [8 ] 2a. For two application types you did not mention in Q1 , explain their characteristics . [6 ] 2a. For the remaining two application types you have not mentioned , explain their purpose . [ 4 ] Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time , with over 350 million copies sold since its official release in 2011 . D id Y ou K now? 1.2 - Operating Systems Topic List 1.3.2 - Application Software Categories

Learn how to use if statements in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 4a - If Statements If Statements Selection is one of three constructs of programming , along with Sequence (logical order) and Iteration (loops). An if statement is a conditional statement that performs a specific action based on conditional values. Essentially, if thing A is true , then thing B will happen . If the user answers yes to the window question, then an appropriate statement is printed. Double equals stands for ‘is equal to ‘. The colon stands for THEN and the line after an if statement must be indented (press tab key once). answer = input ( "Is the window open? " ) if answer == "yes" : print ( "It's chilly in here!" ) Is the window open? yes It's chilly in here! But what if the window is not open? At the moment nothing will happen if you type no: Is the window open? no The elif command stands for else if . Essentially: If thing A is true then do thing B, else if thing C is true then do thing D: But what about any other answer than yes or no? The else command will submit a response if the value is anything else. The if and elif commands have a colon at the end, but else has it at the start. Also, else does not need to be on a new line. answer = input ( "Is the window open? " ) if answer == "yes" : print ( "It's chilly in here!" ) elif answer == "no" : print ( "It's quite hot in here!" ) answer = input ( "Is the window open? " ) if answer == "yes" : print ( "It's chilly in here!" ) elif answer == "no" : print ( "It's quite hot in here!" ) else : print ( "I'm not sure what you mean." ) Is the window open? no It's quite hot in here! Is the window open? banana I'm not sure what you mean. If Statements Task 1 ( Left or Right?) Use an input line to ask the user whether they want to turn left or right . Print a sentence of your choice if they chose left and a different sentence if they chose right . Include an else statement in case the user doesn't input left or right. Example solutions: There is a path ahead. Do you turn left or right? left The path turns and twists until it reaches a cliff. Dead end! There is a path ahead. Do you turn left or right? right A snake slithers across the path and bites your leg. Oh no! There is a path ahead. Do you turn left or right? backwards That's not an option! Nested If Statements Complex programs may require you to have if statements within if statements - when programming, one thing inside another is known as nesting . You must make sure that the related if , elif and else statements line up with each other . Use the tab key to indent a line. outer if inner if weather = input ( "What is the weather like today? " ) if weather == "sunny" : sunny = input ( "How hot is it? " ) if sunny == "very hot" : print ( "Take some sunglasses with you!" ) elif sunny == "cool" : print ( "Maybe take a jacket just in case?" ) else : print ( "Enjoy the sunshine!" ) elif weather == "rainy" : print ( "Take an umbrella!" ) else : print ( "Have a good day!" ) = What is the weather like today? rainy Take an umbrella! = What is the weather like today? sunny How hot is it? cool Maybe take a jacket just in case? = What is the weather like today? snowy Have a good day! = What is the weather like today? sunny How hot is it? very hot Take some sunglasses with you! If Statements Task 2 ( Nested Ifs) Use the weather program above as an example to help you write your own program with a nested if for at least one option. Be careful to have your nested if's if, elif and else statements in line with each other. Your program doesn't have to be about juice. Example solutions: Would you like orange, apple or tomato juice? orange Would you like your orange juice smooth or with bits? smooth One smooth orange juice coming up! Would you like orange, apple or tomato juice? orange Would you like your orange juice smooth or with bits? bits A pulpy orange juice is on its way! Would you like orange, apple or tomato juice? tomato Yuck, you can't be serious? Using Selection with Numbers Comparison operators such as > (greater than ) > = (greater than or equal to ) < (less than ) and < = (less than or equal to ) can be used with if statements. Logical operators such as and and or can also be used - more about them in section 4c . When comparing a variable's value to a specific number, such as 50, don't forget to use double equals ( == ) . Python Comparison Operators score = int ( input ( "Enter the maths test score: " )) if score == 50: print ( "You scored top marks!" ) elif score >= 40 and score < 50: print ( "You scored a great grade!" ) elif score >= 20 and score < 40: print ( "You did okay in the test." ) else : print ( "You have to try harder next time!" ) = Enter the maths test score: 50 You scored top marks! = Enter the maths test score: 43 You scored a great grade! = Enter the maths test score: 20 You did okay in the test. = Enter the maths test score: 13 You have to try harder next time! If Statements Task 3 ( Fastest lap) A racing video game has a challenging track that players try to get a quick lap on. The current fastest lap time is 37 seconds . Ask the player to enter their lap time and print a response based on their input . You need individual responses for the following inputs: Faster than 37 seconds. Between 37 seconds and 59 seconds. Between 60 seconds and 90 seconds. Slower than 90 seconds. Example solutions: Enter your lap time: 35 You have set a new record!!! Enter your lap time: 59 You did well this time! Enter your lap time: 83 A little bit slow this time! Enter your lap time: 110 Were you even trying!?! Hurry up! Not Equal To The opposite of equal to ( == ) is not equal to ( != ). != is often used with while loops to repeat code while an input is not what is expected , for example repeatedly asking for a password while the input is not equal to "fluffythecat123". The code below uses != for an incorrect answer (although it could easily be re-written to use == for a correct answer). answer = input ( "What is the capital of Eritrea? " ) if answer != "Asmara" : print ( "That is incorrect! It is Asmara." ) else : print ( "You got it right!" ) = What is the capital of Eritrea? Asmara You got it right! = What is the capital of Eritrea? Windhoek That is incorrect! It is Asmara. If Statements Task 4 ( True or False? ) Come up with your own true or false question that the user has to respond to. Depending on their answer , print whether they got it right or wrong . You may want to use an if statement with == for a correct answer or != for an incorrect answer , there's multiple ways to write this program. Example solutions: There are 140 million miles between Earth and Mars. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE That is correct! It is really that far! There are 140 million miles between Earth and Mars. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE You got it wrong, there really are 140 million miles between us! ⬅ Section 3 Practice Tasks 4b - Mathematical Operators ➡

Learn about the components of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Von Neumann architecture. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). Exam Board: Cambridge OCR 1.1a: The CPU Specification: GCSE - J277 Watch on YouTube : The CPU The function of each CPU component : Control Unit (CU ) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU ) Registers Cache What Von Neumann architecture is. What You Need to Know The Central Processing Unit The Central Processing Unit ( CPU ) is the most important component in any computer system. Like many computer components, it is attached to the motherboard . The purpose of the CPU is to process data and instructions by constantly repeating the fetch-execute cycle . CPU Components The Control Unit (CU ) sends signals to control hardware and coordinate the flow of data inside the CPU and across the computer . It also decodes instructions as part of the fetch-execute cycle . The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU ) performs mathematical calculations , logical operations and binary shifts . The results of calculations made by the ALU are stored in a register called the accumulator . A register is a temporary storage space for one piece of data , instruction or address . Different registers are used during the fetch-execute cycle . Cache memory stores frequently accessed data and instructions because it is much faster for the CPU to access (fetch from) than RAM . Computer Architecture The way a computer is designed and structured is known as its architecture . A common type of computer architecture is Von Neumann (pronounced Von Noy-man), named after mathematician John Von Neumann . Von Neumann Architecture Instruction Data RAM ADD 53 A computer with Von Neumann architecture stores both program instructions and data in the same memory (RAM ). This is different from other architectures that have an instruction memory and a separate data memory . Instructions (technically called the opcode ) and data (technically called the operand ) are not the same . An instruction is an action to perform and data is the value to be used. For example with the command 'ADD 43 ', ADD is the instruction and 43 is the data . Von Neumann architecture also contains the key CPU components of a control unit , arithmetic logic unit (ALU ), registers and cache memory . Q uesto's Q uestions 1.1a - The CPU: 1a. What does 'CPU ' stand for ? [1 ] 1b. What is the purpose of the CPU ? [ 2 ] 2. Draw a diagram of the CPU , and l abel the four main components . [ 4 ] 3. Describe the purpose of: a. The Control Unit [ 2 ] b. The ALU [ 2 ] c. The registers [ 2 ] d. Cache memory [ 2 ] 4a. Describe the key feature of Von Neumann architecture . [ 2 ] 4b. Explain how an instruction is different to data . [ 2 ] 1.1b - Fetch-Execute Cycle Theory Topics

A key term generator to display randomised or sequential terms from the OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) course. Filter terms by topics and 'favourite' tricky terms to focus on later. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. GCSE Key Terms Generator If you see this message, your school may be using a strict network filter which has blocked it. The tool uses basic JavaScript and should work fine on a home network. Use this tool to check your understanding of the OCR GCSE J277 specification's key terms . OCR GCSE Homepage

Learn about the two types of language levels, high level and low level, including explanations and examples. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 7.1: Language Levels Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 There are two types of programming languages used within computer systems: High-Level Languages Why do programmers use high-level languages? H igh-level programming languages use code written in a way that is similar to a natural human language , such as English, making it easier to understand and use the language. Using high-level languages leads to fewer errors and allows for more powerful and complex commands compared to low-level languages. However, a high-level language must be translated into machine code (binary) before it can be run, as high-level languages cannot be executed directly by the CPU . Popular high-level languages: PYT HON C++ Ja v a Visual Basic Low-Level Languages Low-level languages do not closely resemble a natural human language , making it harder for humans to understand and write in. Low-level languages are used when a program must be executed quickly or when programmers need to write code that interacts directly with the hardware , such as device drivers. There are two types of low-level language : Machine Code This is the pure binary code that computers can directly process and execute . It is extremely tedious and difficult for humans to understand and write machine code. However, machine code can be used when a programmer needs to perform a very specific command that can't be done in a high-level language. Machine code will be executed faster than high-level programs because it is already in a format the CPU can execute and does not need to be translated . 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0101 0101 0100 1010 1010 1010 1010 1111 1110 0010 1001 0100 1001 0010 0111 0111 0101 0011 1010 1000 0101 0110 0111 0000 1010 1010 0011 1101 1001 0010 1101 0010 0100 1001 0011 1010 1001 0101 0101 0010 0101 0111 0101 0101 1000 1011 0111 Assembly Language Assembly language uses specialised command mnemonics to perform actions . See the Assembly Language section in the programming tab for a list of mnemonics such as INP , OUT and HLT . Assembly language is preferred by many programmers over machine code because it is easier to understand and spot errors . It is faster to execute than high-level languages and, like machine code, can be used to directly control the CPU . Q uesto's Q uestions 7.1 - Language Levels: 1a. Describe three reasons why programmers use high-level languages . [ 3 ] 1b. Explain one limitation of using high-level languages . [2 ] 2a. Describe a key difference between low-level languages and high-level languages . [ 2 ] 2b. Describe when a low-level language would be used instead of a high-level language . [2 ] 2c. Describe an advantage and a disadvantage of writing directly in machine code . [2 ] 2d. Describe what assembly language is. Give one benefit to using assembly language instead of machine code and one benefit to using it instead of a high-level language . [3 ] 3. Compare high-level and low-level languages by stating which is: a. Easier to understand [ 1 ] b. Requiring translation [ 1 ] c. Quicker to execute [ 1 ] INP STA Number1 OUT HLT Number1 DAT 6.2 - Utility Software Theory Topics 8.1 - Programming Principles

Learn how to split, edit and removes lines using files in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Python 10c - REMOVE & Edit LINES Splitting a File The split command is used to split up a line of a file into different parts . The character or string in brackets after the split command is the value that will denote each split . In the example below I have split the file at each comma . Remember that Python numbering starts at 0 so the first section is 0, not 1. 0 1 2 3 The program below splits each line of the file at each forward-slash ( / ). The printed statement is the employee's first name, surname and job position. 0 1 2 3 4 Practice Task 1 Create a file (new txt document in Notepad) called movies. Type in the movie name, main actor, genre (e.g. horror), year it was released and your rating out of 10. Print just the movie name and year it released. Example solution: Deleting Lines in a File Exact Line Name The code below shows how to remove a line from a file using the exact name of the line , which will only work for short or simple files . First open the file in read move to save each line in a variable I've named lines. Then ask the user to input the exact line they want to remove (e.g. 'plum' in my example). Then open the file in write mode and use a for loop to read each line and only write it back into the file if it isn't equal to the line the user entered - such as 'plum'. The line.rstrip() command is important as it removes any spaces or empty lines that may interfere with matching the line to the input. Deleting Lines in a File Word in the Line The code below shows how to remove a line from a file if a certain word appears in that line , although this could be dangerous with large files. In my example I have written apple which has also removed pineapple! The difference from the previous program is to change the for loop so that it checks if the inputted word appears in the line . If it does appear then nothing happens (except a print statement to acknowledge it's been found). If the word doesn't appear then that line can be safely rewritten to the file . Practice Task 2 Download the trees text file. Give the user a choice of removing a specific tree or a type of tree. If they choose a specific tree then remove the line if it is an exact match (e.g. Field Maple). If they choose to remove a type of tree remove all lines that contain the name of that tree (e.g. willow) Make sure you actually check the file to see if the lines have been removed correctly! Example solution: Download the trees file: Sorting a File Sorting a file into alphabetical (or numerical ) order is a simple process. Open the file in read mode and save the lines into a list . The sort c ommand will automatically order the list of lines. If necessary, in the brackets type reverse = True to sort the list in reverse. Practice Task 3 Expand on your tree program from the previous practice task. As well as SPECIFIC or TYPE, allow the user to enter SORT to sort the tree file either in alphabetical order or reverse alphabetical order. Check the text file to see if it has been sorted correctly. You may make this a separate program from task 2 if you wish. Example solution: Editing Lines in a File Overwriting data in a file is a tricky process. The program below uses the same Employees.txt file as above but allows the user to change the address of an employee . A temporary file is created to store the lines of the employee file, but the line with the changes is replaced specifically with the new address. I have explained each line of the program to the right: When I executed the program below I entered Thomas Wynne's details and changed his address. When I opened the employees file the address had been updated : 1: Importing os allows me to rename and remove files later in the program. 3: Opens the employee file in read mode . 5 - 8: Input lines allow the user to enter the first name, surname and the person's new address. 10: A found flag is set up and set to False . 12: The for loop cycles through each line in the file. 13: Each line is split into separate parts from each / . 15: An if statement checks if the first name and surname match an employee in the file. 16: A replacement line is created by putting the original line together but with the new address. 18: The found flag is changed to True because the employee first name and surname matched . 19: A temporary file is created and opened in write mode . 20: The seek command restarts the file at line 0 . 22: The for loop cycles through each line of the employee file from the beginning. If the first name and surname match it will write the new line to the file, otherwise it will rewrite the original line . 28 & 29: Both files are closed . 31 & 32: If the names didn't match , an appropriate message is printed. 34 - 37: If the address was changed, the original file is renamed and deleted and the temp file is renamed as the original file. Practice Task 4 Use the movie file you created for practice task 1. Ask the user to enter the name of a movie. Ask them to enter an updated rating out of 10. Update the file to change the rating to the new value. Example solution: ⬅ 10b - Read & Search Files Section 10 Practice Tasks ➡

An explanation and introduction to the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in Computing specification. This certificate (H029) or extended certificate (H129) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ). Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) / Cambridge Advanced National In Computing Computing: Application Development Everything you need to know about this course: The Cambridge Advanced National in Computing: Application Development is a new course that began in September 2025 . It contains both exam and NEA (coursework ) units and focuses on developing software prototypes for applications such as websites , video games and even virtual reality . The video to the left explains all the key details of this new course, but remember, things can change so the OCR website will have the latest updates . Exam Units: Unit F160: Fundamentals of Application Development F160 YouTube Playlist Unit F161: Developing Application Software F161 YouTube Playlist These pages are based on content from the OCR Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ) specification .

Learn how to create more HTML pages and link them together using the anchor tag. 10. More Pages HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: Create a New Page Create a new page by either clicking the new page icon in Notepad ++ or selecting File then New . Then you need to save your new page with an appropriate name as a HTML file . Create a new page, save it and add information to it. Your new page needs the same essential tags as your original page: Then you can add the rest of your content . Link to Other Pages The tag is used to link between pages , just like it is used to hyperlink to other websites. Make sure you type your web pages exactly as you have saved them. Make sure all of your web pages are saved in the same folder . Include links between pages on each new page. A link to the second page. Don't forget a link back to your homepage on each new page. Why not add more pages to make your website more detailed? 9. Colours & Fonts HTML Guide

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: Cambridge OCR Specification: GCSE - J277 Watch on YouTube : Secondary Storage Why computers need secondary storage . The main characteristics of secondary storage: portability , capacity , cost , access speed , reliability and durability . The advantages and disadvantages of the three types of secondary storage: optical , magnetic and solid state . What You Need to Know 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 . [6 ] 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

Test your understanding of inputs in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python - Section 2 Practice Tasks Task One: Food & Colour Ask a user to input their favourite colour and their favourite food and then print a response using both answers. Requirements for a complete program: Use only one print line. Include both of the user's answers in the print line. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas or plus signs between each part of the "sentence" . Example solutions: What is your favourite colour? green What is your favourite food? cheese Yum! I'll have green cheese for dinner tonight! What is your favourite colour? purple What is your favourite food? ice cream Let's have purple ice cream for breakfast! Task Two: Trivia Question Create a program that asks the user to input an answer to a trivia question of your choice then prints the correct answer with their response too. Requirements for a complete program: Only two lines. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Example solution: What is the capital city of Botswana? Windhoek Correct answer: Gaborone. Your answer: Windhoek What is the closest planet to Earth? Mars Correct answer: Mars. Your answer: Mars Task Three: Getting to School Create a program that asks the user how they get to school and how many minutes it takes them (using int ). Then print an appropriate response that uses both variables . Requirements for a complete program: Use only one print line. Include both of the user's answers in the print line. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Example solution: How do you get to school? car How many minutes does it take you? 45 Really? It takes you 45 minutes to get here by car? How do you get to school? walking How many minutes does it take you? 20 Really? It takes you 20 minutes to get here by walking? ⬅ 2b - Inputting Numbers 3a - Data Types ➡