Computing Task

A Computing Task is a task whose input is data.

• Context:
  • It can be performed by a Computing System (that implements an Algorithm).
  • It can range from being a Human-based Computation Task to being a Hybrid Computation Task to being an Automated Computation Task.
  • It can range from being a Performed Computation to being an Unperformed Computation.
  • It can range from being an Exact Computation Task to being an Approximate Computation Task.
  • It can range from being a Tractable Computational Task to being an Intractable Computational Task.
  • It can be solved by a Computing System (that implements a computing algorithm).
  • It can support a Computing Application (such as a spreadsheet application or a credit scoring application).
• Example(s):
  • a Sorting Task.
  • an Information Extraction Task.
  • an Information Extraction Task.
  • an Opinion Summary Task.
  • a PMI Calculation Task.
  • …
• Counter-Example(s):
  • a Spreadsheet Application.
• See: Algorithm.

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References

2009

• (WordNet, 2009) ⇒ http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=calculation
  • S: (n) calculation, computation, computing (the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods)
  • S: (n) calculation, computation, figuring, reckoning (problem solving that involves numbers or quantities)
  • S: (n) calculation, deliberation (planning something carefully and intentionally) "it was the deliberation of his act that was insulting"
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calculation
  • A calculation is a deliberate process for transforming one or more inputs into one or more results, with variable change.
  • The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation using an algorithm to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
  • Multiplying 7 by 8 is a simple algorithmic calculation.
  • Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black-Scholes model is a complex algorithmic calculation.
  • Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but give results that are ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
  • Deciding the best way to build a relationship with a member of the opposite sex may also result from a calculation, but is not definite, predictable, nor even clearly defined. This indefinite application of the term gives it a second area of meaning apart from the mathematical senses mentioned above.
  • To calculate means to ascertain by computing.

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