Editing Robo Sandwich Maker (section)

== Why This Works ==

In basic computing, a computer takes a ''Command'', or instruction, and does a task based on that command. These commands have to be clear and concise, otherwise the computer might get confused and perform the wrong tasks. Modern computers have built in safety functions to prevent these irregular commands from running, and to keep the computer operating. This is similar to the "DOES NOT COMPUTE" response given when a step was not clear enough. Other times, instead of trying to follow the command and doing something wrong, the computer will say that it does not understand and ask for the command to be clarified. This is similar to the "NEEDS CLARIFICATION" response given later on. 

When the class worked together to make a list of commands for making a sandwich, they made a program for the Robo Sandwich Maker to use. ''Programs'' are long lists of commands that connect to each other, and are recognized as all being a part of the same process. The computer recognizes that they are connected, and will run them all together. Even if some of the commands in a program are not as precise, the computer will recognize that the command is within the rest of the program, and run it according to how it is intended.

The list below can help show how a command can be clarified, and how to help the audience write a clearer set of commands for a program.
{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; text-align: left; margin-right: auto"
| '''Initial Command(s)'''
| '''Issue'''
| '''Rewritten Command(s)'''
| '''Notes'''
|-
| <pre>Put bread on plate </pre>
|
*"Bread" can refer to the whole loaf
| <pre>Put a slice of bread on plate </pre>
|-
|<pre>Add lettuce</pre>
|
* Unsure on where to add lettuce
* "Lettuce" can refer to whole lettuce head/package
*"Sandwich" is undefined, since we haven't made it yet.
|<pre>Put one leaf of lettuce on slice of bread on plate </pre>
|-
|<pre>Open pack of ham
Put ham on sandwich
close pack of ham </pre>
| 
* "Ham" can refer to whole package
* No number of ham slices specified
*"Sandwich" is undefined
| <pre>Open pack of ham
Pull out three slices of ham
Put slices on bread on plate
Close pack of ham</pre>
| In step 3 we don't restate what the slices are, since
the command string, or program, is for "Ham".
|-
| <pre>Open ketchup bottle
Add one squirt to sandwich
Open mustard bottle
Add one squirt to the sandwich
Open relish jar
Add one spoonful to the sandwich</pre>
|
* No descriptor on "squirt" (big/small)
* Ketchup isn't closed, so it is still in use
* "Squirt" applied to mustard '''and''' ketchup
* Mustard isn't closed, so it is still in use
* "Spoonful" applied to relish '''and''' mustard '''and''' ketchup
*"Sandwich" is undefined
|<pre>Open ketchup bottle
Add one small squirt to ham slice on bread
Close ketchup bottle
Open mustard bottle
Add one small squirt to ham slice on bread
Close mustard bottle
Open relish jar
Add one spoonful to ham slice on bread
Close relish jar</pre>
| By closing the bottles, we close the previous
command strings and don't add extra ketchup &

mustard. Note that for the command strings,

we don't need to specify the ingredient being added.
|}