Problem Solving

Solving problems is the core of computer science. Programmers must first understand how a human solves a problem, then understand how to translate this "algorithm" into something a computer can do, and finally, how to write the specific code to implement the solution. At its core, problem-solving focuses on the study, understanding, and usage of data structures and algorithms. 

This competency area includes basic data structures and algorithms.

Key Competencies:

1. Basic Data Structures - Use data structures such as arrays and strings. Traverse through arrays, strings, trees, and linked lists. Access and update individual elements in arrays, and characters in strings.
2. Basic Algorithms (such as sorting and searching) - Create simple sorting algorithms such as bubble sort, merge sort, and counting sort. Create simple brute force and sub-optimal solutions.