1.2 Programming

In this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used to create computer programs. You will begin by exploring the main data types used in programming and the core concepts that allow programs to store data and control how instructions are carried out, including variables, constants, assignment, sequence, selection, iteration, nesting, and subroutines.

Next, you will learn how arithmetic, relational, and Boolean operations are used to perform calculations, compare values, and create conditions. You will explore how data can be organised using one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays and records, how programs receive input and produce output, and how strings can be manipulated and converted between different forms of data. You will also learn how random numbers can be generated and used within programs.

Finally, you will explore structured programming in greater detail, including procedures, functions, parameters, return values, local variables, modularisation, and subroutine interfaces. You will then learn how programs can be made more robust and secure using validation and authentication, and how testing, test data, syntax errors, and logic errors are used to identify and correct problems in programs. Throughout the module, you will apply these concepts using AQA pseudo-code and Python.