1:  A computational perspective


What is computation?

  The input-output paradigm: computation as function

  Computation as change of state

  Computation as behavior



Computational questions

  - What level of abstraction are we at?

    o Representations and processes

    o Data structures and algorithms

    o Data types and functions/procedures


  - How is the computation organized?

    o Modularity

    o Repetition: iteration and recursion

    o Stopping conditions


  - How long does it take?

    o Practical answers:  benchmarks

    o Analytical answers:  time complexity

    o Often ignored: development of resources


  - What constitutes a result or a contribution?

    o Theoretical proof

    o A better algorithm

    o Performance on a task

    o An accurate model of a phenomenon