What Code Is: How Computers Follow Instructions · Lesson 1 · 3 minutes

Pick one action

Pick an exact action word for a computer command.

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  1. Clear action words

    Lee has a small helper bot. A computer cannot guess vague words like fix.

    Clear action words. Lee has a small helper bot. A computer cannot guess vague words like fix.

  2. Lee wants the bot to pick up a box. Which word is an exact action?

    • Lift
    • Fix
    • Do

    Answer: Lift

    Lift tells the bot the exact action to do.

  3. One exact step

    Computers need one exact action word to act. Vague words make the computer stop.

    One exact step. Computers need one exact action word to act. Vague words make the computer stop.

  4. Help Lee command the bot to push a box.

    ___ the box.

    Answer: Push the box.

    Push is an exact action word.

  5. Lee tells the bot: 'Fix the boxes.' Why does the bot stop?

    • Fix is too vague for a computer.
    • The bot needs more time to think.
    • The boxes are too heavy.

    Answer: Fix is too vague for a computer.

    Computers cannot guess what vague words mean.

  6. Build a clear command for Lee's bot.

    Answer: Move the box

    Move is an exact action word.

  7. Put the exact actions in order to move a box to a shelf.

    Answer: Lift the box → Carry the box → Drop the box

    Each step uses one exact action word.

  8. Complete the command with an exact action word.

    ___ the box on the table.

    Answer: Drop the box on the table.

    Drop is a clear, exact action.

What to remember

  • A computer cannot guess vague words like fix.
  • Use one clear, exact action word to make a computer move.

Next in this course: Add a target. It carries on in the Breni app.

The full What Code Is: How Computers Follow Instructions path