Computer Science
Define 'Backtracking'
A process where you incrementally build towards a solution, abandoning partial success (going back to the previous successful step)
Give examples of where backtracking can be used
- Mazes
- Sudoku
Define 'Data mining'
Analysing vast amounts of data from many sources to discover new info and trends
Give an example of where data mining can be used
In supermarkets, collecting data e.g.:
- How often you shop
- What products you like to buy often
- How much you usually spend
- How long they shop for
Why do companies use data mining
To help them maximise the profit they make
Give other examples of where data mining could be used
- Weather prediction
- Stock market
- Business & economics
Define 'Heuristics'
Using experience and estimates to find a solution that is good enough as quick as possible
Define 'performance modelling'
Approximating how well models perform using maths
Explain why performance modelling is useful
It reduces the resouces we use/consume & can reduce cost.
It also helps predict system behaviour
Give an example of performance modelling
Onlin game testing. Once a game is near finished, developers may beta test the game to see how well a few people can play on the server, then use performane modelling see how well the game will run under more users
Define 'Pipelining'
Splitting a task into smaller and more manageable chuncks and working on these tasks concurrently to speed up the process
Give an example of where pipelining can be used
A robot assembly line
Define 'Visualisation'
Where data is presented in a way which is easier for humans to understand
Give advantages & disadvantages of using heuristics
Advantages: Provides quick results (good for certain systems e.g. maps)
- Takes up less RAM as not all options are checked
Disadvantages: - The solution may not be the optimal solution
- If the heuristic is poorly designed, the algorithm may be inefficient