How To Think Like A Computer ITSC 1212 - Functions First Edition

Earlier in the course, we introduced computational thinking as a set of problem-solving skills that help you design programs and understand how they work. The Input-Process-Output (IPO) model gives you a simple and practical way to apply those skills when working through programming problems.

One key computational thinking skill is decomposition. Using IPO makes this easier by encouraging you to break a large problem into smaller pieces, each with its own inputs, processing steps, and outputs. These smaller pieces often become functions in your programs.

Abstraction is about focusing on the big picture instead of every detail. When you describe a part of a program using only its inputs and outputs, you can understand what it does without worrying about how it works internally.

Pattern recognition develops as you solve more problems. You may notice that many tasks—such as converting units, analyzing data, or running simulations—follow similar IPO patterns. Recognizing these patterns can save time and make problem solving easier.

Algorithmic thinking shows up most clearly in the process part of IPO. This is where you decide the order of steps needed to turn inputs into outputs. Tracing program execution and debugging both rely on understanding these steps.

By connecting computational thinking to the IPO model, you gain a consistent way to plan programs, follow how they run, and figure out what went wrong when something does not work as expected. Throughout this course, IPO will continue to serve as a helpful guide for solving problems, even when we are not explicitly talking about it.