Understanding input and output in computational thinking
In this section, we will take a look at computational thinking problems to better understand input and output. As we go through the design process of the algorithms, we will focus on identifying the inputs needed and what output we require from our algorithms. Let’s take a look at our first problem.
Problem 1 – building a Caesar cipher
A Caesar cipher is a system of cryptography that’s used to code messages. This type of cipher is one of the oldest known and it was developed around 100 BC. The cipher was used by soldiers to send secret messages. The goal was to keep the information secret, even if the message was intercepted. It is one of the earliest forms of cryptography.
Even in modern times, we use cryptography to secure information so that only the intended users can read the messages. The Caesar cipher uses a shift in the letters to encode the messages. For example, the letter a shifted three...
