Machine speed, human thinking
★ Must-know
📌 A computer obeys literally, follows instructions in order unless told to jump, and never guesses what an unclear instruction means.
📌 An instruction can be carried out only when it has one single definite meaning, so phrases such as “buy some rice” or “charge a fair price” must be made precise before a computer can act on them.
Further detail
1. What is the primary role of a computer in relation to data and instructions?
2. Which statement best distinguishes a program from an individual instruction?
3. A program receives the instruction “charge a fair price” without defining what “fair” means. What must happen before the computer can carry out the instruction?
What is a computer?
A machine that stores data and carries out instructions exactly as given.
Who is a programmer?
The person who decides instructions and is answerable for their actions.
How does a computer follow instructions by default?
It follows instructions in order unless told to jump.
What must be true for a computer to carry out an instruction?
The instruction must have one single definite meaning.
Computer Definition
Machine that stores and executes instructions.
Program
Set of instructions for a specific task.
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