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Decomposition
Decomposition is one of the four cornerstones of Computer Science. It involves breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller parts that are more manageable and easier to understand. The smaller parts can then be examined and solved, or designed individually, as they are simpler to work with.
Starter
Discuss: If you were creating a complex game - e.g. Fortnite, discuss and share how decomposition might be used?
The following video will help with the topic of DECOMPOSITION
Answer to starter:
If we are developing a game, different people can design and create the different levels independently provided key aspects are agreed in advance. Through decomposition of the original task each part can be developed and integrated later in the process. A simple arcade level might also be decomposed into several parts, such as the life-like motion of a character, scrolling the background and setting the rules about how characters interact.
Additional Reading
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zkcqn39/articles/z8ngr82
The following links to articles also further illustrate decomposition.
- A perfect, working mind is locked inside a useless body: the sufferer can sense everything around but is unable to communicate with anyone.
- Looking at a picture from your digital camera or a digital movie, it’s all just 11001100011– hardly inspiring, and I don’t really see what it means!
- It turns out though that some missions really are impossible for computers and even Tom Cruise wouldn’t be able to make a difference even if he was given unlimited time.