What does decomposition mean?

Breaking a problem into smaller parts that are easier to solve, then solving each part. Writing one function per part is decomposition in code.

Also written as: decompose, decomposing

In a lesson

Decompose the whole brief into functions: patrol(stop_at) must return the number of steps, and go_home(steps) must bring the robot back. After arriving (LED green), drive home and print steps each way: <n>. The robot must end near where it started.

Learn it

• Taught in F4.6 Project: the patrol Functions and structured code, GCSE

Used in

• F4.1 Writing functions
• F4.4 Decomposition and abstraction
• F5.1 What an algorithm is
• F6.7 Project: the fail-safe controller
• A1.4 Subroutines, parameters and passing by reference
• A2.6 Decomposition, composition and automation
• A2.9 Computational methods
• A2.10 Project: out of the dead end
• A10.9 Project: a tiny robot operating system
• A13.8 Project: the way out

and 2 more lessons.

All glossary terms