What does a computer do?
A computer follows instructions. People write the instructions, and the computer does just what they say.
📌 Key points
- 💻 A computer is a machine that follows instructions.
- 📝 People write the instructions. We call them a program.
- ✅ A computer does exactly what the instructions say.
- ⚡ Computers are very fast. They do not get tired.
- 🤔 A computer cannot guess what you mean.
📖 Key words
- Computer
- A machine that follows instructions.
- Instructions
- Steps that say what to do.
- Program
- A list of instructions for a computer.
- Bug
- A mistake in the instructions.
✏️ Worked example
A toy robot must get to a cake. The cake is 3 steps forward. What do we tell it?
- The robot only does what we tell it.
- If we say 2 steps, it stops too soon.
- If we say 4 steps, it goes too far.
- So we say: go forward 3 steps. 🍰
Try this at home: tell a grown-up how to make a sandwich. Say every step!
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