A sequence in computing is a series of steps or instructions that a computer follows to complete a task. Think of it like a recipe for a program: each step in the sequence tells the computer what to do next.
Here's how sequences work in computing:
- Instructions: Each step in a sequence is an instruction. These instructions can be simple, like adding two numbers, or complex, like retrieving data from a website.
- Order: The order of the instructions matters. The computer executes them one by one, in the order they are written.
- Control Flow: Sequences can be controlled using various techniques like loops, conditional statements, and function calls.
- Examples:
- A program that calculates the average of a list of numbers uses a sequence to read each number, add it to a running total, and then divide the total by the number of numbers.
- A website that processes a form uses a sequence to validate the user's input, store the data in a database, and then display a confirmation message.
Sequences are fundamental to programming and are used in almost every computer program. They allow programmers to break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, making it easier to write and debug code.
