Solutions that are incomplete
If computational thinkingA problem-solving method using computer science techniques, where possible solutions are developed and presented in a way that can be understood by humans and computers. techniques are applied to the problem of how to bake a cake, on decompositionThe breaking down of a system into smaller parts that are easier to understand, program and maintain. the problem, it is necessary to know:
- what kind of cake to bake
- what ingredients are needed, how much of each ingredient, and when to add it
- how many people the cake is for
- how long to bake the cake for
- what equipment is needed
However, this is incomplete – part of the problem has been left out. We still need to know:
- where to bake the cake
- what temperature to bake the cake at
Therefore, if this information was used to create the solution, the algorithmA sequence of logical instructions for carrying out a task. In computing, algorithms are needed to design computer programs. would say how long the cake should be baked for but it would not state that the cake should be placed in the oven, or the temperature that the oven should be. Even if the cake made it to the oven, it could end up undercooked or burnt to a cinder.
Very important factors have been left out, so the chances of making a great cake are slim.
The problem occurred here because placing the cake in the oven and specifying the oven temperature had not been included, making the solution incomplete.