Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) teaches computational thinking, problem solving, and programming. Students develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for A Level CS or IB DP CS.
Data representation: binary, hexadecimal, ASCII/Unicode, sound/image storage, compression. Communication & internet: networks, protocols, IP addressing, cloud computing, internet security. Hardware: CPU architecture (fetch-decode-execute), input/output devices, storage. Software: system software (OS, utilities), application software, types of programming language. Security: threats (malware, phishing, pharming), prevention methods, encryption.
Algorithms: flowcharts, pseudocode, trace tables, searching (linear, binary), sorting (bubble, merge, insertion). Programming: variables, data types, selection, iteration, arrays, procedures/functions, file handling, string manipulation. Validation & verification. Testing: normal, abnormal, boundary data. Databases: tables, records, fields, SQL queries, primary keys.
Paper 1 (theory, 1h 45min, 75 marks): short-answer and structured questions. Paper 2 (problem-solving & programming, 1h 45min, 50 marks): writing pseudocode and program code. Students may use Python, Visual Basic, or Java for Paper 2. Boolean logic: AND, OR, NOT gates, truth tables, logic expressions.
Both are accepted by Cambridge for Paper 2. Python is recommended for most students as it has simpler syntax, is widely used in industry and higher education, and has more learning resources available. Visual Basic is also fine if your school teaches it. The pseudocode in exams is language-neutral, so the choice of coding language doesn't affect Paper 1.
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