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Mahfudzah Othman
UiTM Pahang

CHAPTER 1

PROBLEM SOLVING PHASES

The Six-Step Program Development Process

1) Program Specification (Program Definition/Program Analysis)

• Follow 5 specific tasks:
• Specify object
• Specify input
• Specify output
• Specify processing requirements
• Document specification

2) Program Design
• Define the solution of the problem
• Programmer plans the solution
• 2 tasks:
 Plan the solution (develop algorithm)
 Document the solution
• Several structured-programming
techniques:
 Top-down programming design
 Logic structures
 Pseudocode: An English like
way to present the solution to a problem
 Flowcharts: A fictional
representation of an orderly step by step solution to a problem
 Flowchart symbols:

SYMBOL NAME DESCRIPTION

Terminal Indicates the beginning
or end of an algorithm

Input/Output Indicates an input or

output operation

Process Indicates computation or

data manipulation

Flow lines Used to connect the

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Mahfudzah Othman
UiTM Pahang

flowchart symbols &

indicates the logic flow
Decision Indicates a decision point
in the algorithm

Loop Indicates the initial, final

& increment values of a
loop

Predefined process Indicates a predefined

process, as in calling a
sorting process

Connector Indicates an entry to, or

exit from another part of
the flowchart

3) Program Code
• Select
programming language
• Write the program
based on the design created in Step 2
• Handwritten on
paper/coding sheets
• Follow the syntax
of the chosen programming language
• Entered into the
computer

4) Program Test
 Tested for errors after they are keyed into the computer
 Testing a program debugging
 Debugging involves eliminating all errors in program code
 Logic error occurs when programming instructions do not
follow a logical sequence the produces correct
result
 logic error that occur during the execution of a
program are called run-time logic errors
 after output is obtained, after execution of
program are called output logic error

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Mahfudzah Othman
UiTM Pahang

5) Program Documentation
• Means: Writing a description of the purpose and process of the program
• Consists of procedures about a program and how to use it
• Should be done on a continual basis throughout all the steps of the
program development process.
• Documentation is important for anyone who will involve with the program
in the future. Eg: Users, operators, and programmers.

• User Documentation users need to know the software.

 documentation may be used to guide users to the
program.
 users maybe expected to learn a program from
return document alone.
 manuals accompany the software when
purchased.

• Operator Documentation to guide them running program

 to translate error message

• Programmers Documentation to update/modify the program

(need to know the purpose & the
logic of a program).
 include flowcharts, program distinct &
sample output.
 document should also show how the
program relate to other programmer within
an IS.

6) Program Maintenance
• Update software to correct errors, improve usability, standardize & adjust
to organizational changes.

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Mahfudzah Othman
UiTM Pahang

Examples of using Algorithm to solve problems

Example 1:
Count the sum, average of two numbers

Requirement Specification:
Find the sum and average of 2 numbers

Analysis:
i) Formula :
Sum = number1 + number2
Average= sum/2

ii) Input:
Number1, number2

iii) Output
Sum, average

Design

Pseudocode:
1. input 2 values
2. Count
Add 2 values
Calculate the average of 2 values
3. Print Sum and average Start

Flowchart:

Input 2 values

Calculate the
average

Print the sum &

average

End
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Mahfudzah Othman
UiTM Pahang

Example 2:
Calculate the area of one circle

Requirement Specification:
Find the area of a circle

Analysis:
i) Formula :
Area = pai * radius * radius

ii) Input:
Radius, pai=3.14

ii) Output
Area

Design:

Pseudocode:
1. input radius
2. pai = 3.142
3. Calculate the area by multiply pai and radius * radius
4. print area

Flowchart:
Start

Input radius & pai

=3.142

Calculate the
area

Print area

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 CSC 125
Mahfudzah Othman
UiTM Pahang