Computer Science
Define 'Caching'
The process of storing data so it can be quickly retrieved
Why is caching a fast process
Instructions are fetched from cache rather than secondary storage which is slower
Define 'Prefetching'
A process where data is requested from main memory before it is actually needed
Why is prefetching hard to implement
It needs to be created to predict with a high degree of accuracy that an instruction will be needed soon
Give 2 drawbacks of 'Caching'
- If the wrong data is fetched & cached it will have to be flushed which can take up more CPU time
- Maintaining the correct data sequence of instructions/data in these circumstances can be problematic
Give benefits of code reuse
- Saves system resources
- lowers development cost
- reduces redundant code
Give benefits of rotuines
- Already compiled, so they're tested and error free
- Can be used multiple times
- May require fewer developers to work on a program
- Saves work for programmers, reduces development time and cost
What are API's
Where a system is linked to another system & enables other developers to use certain procedures and functions
Define 'Abstraction'
The process of removing any unnecessary information and only focusing on information that is relevant
Give a use of abstraction
Computer games - Use abstraction to remove elements a user doesn't need. The user does not need to know the algorithm of an NPC, they just need to be able to see what it is doing