Applied Programming

• AP1
  Searching techniques: random and sequential data sets (one-dimensional arrays and files). Calculating and predicting the number of test accesses needed to locate a given record for different set sizes.
• AP2
  Sorting: well-known internal sort methods (such as exchange and insertion); counting the number of comparison and exchanges (or movements).
• AP3
  Merging: 2, 3 and 4 way merges of sequential arrays and data files. Refinements such as the elimination (or retention) of duplicated items.
• AP4
  Two-Dimensional Arrays: the use of 2-dimensional arrays to represent and process practical applications (such as chessboards, aircraft seating plans, matrices).
• AP5
  Serial and Sequential File Processing. The record-by-record processing of serial data files to extract information or to update records. The updating of a sequential master file (on tape or disc) using a sorted transaction file; detecting and reporting common errors.
• AP6
  String Processing. Operations on (ASCII) character strings: length determination, searching for a character or sub-string, joining strings (concatenation). Examples in simple word-processing.
• AP7
  Simple Mathematics. Exercises in averages, ratios, percentages, areas, volumes, sets, finite series, factors and prime numbers. Integer arithmetic including quotient and remainder problems (such as fencing and tiling problems where unit sizes do not divide exactly into lengths or areas).
• AP8
  Currency Calculations. Financial problems involving simple interest, currency exchange rates and coin analysis.
• AP9
  Dates and Times. Calculation of interval between two dates or times. Relating weekdays and calendar dates. Extensions to leap years.
• AP10
  Computer Games and Random Numbers. The representation of simple games such as ‘noughts and crosses'. Games of chance with dice; the use of random number functions. Generating test or dummy data by means of random numbers.
• AP11
  Screen Control. Operations on alphanumeric screens: clear screen, position cursor, clear to end of screen, clear to end of line, clear a specified field. The design of a screen layout to facilitate data entry (with suitable captions), error messages and re-entry options.
• AP12
  Printer Control. Simple printer operations: output of text and control characters such as form feed, line feed, carriage return and backspace. Formatting a page (with title, column headings and record prints), including correct page-break handling. Designing simple graphic output such as a histogram.