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Writing Algorithms

An algorithm is a set of steps or instructions needed to complete a software task. Pseudocode describes the logical steps to solve a problem using text resembling a programming language, while a flowchart uses diagrams. An example pseudocode algorithm asks the user to input 2 numbers and outputs their sum. An effective algorithm is independent of any programming language so any programmer can understand the logic.

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Haytham Qaisar
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91 views

Writing Algorithms

An algorithm is a set of steps or instructions needed to complete a software task. Pseudocode describes the logical steps to solve a problem using text resembling a programming language, while a flowchart uses diagrams. An example pseudocode algorithm asks the user to input 2 numbers and outputs their sum. An effective algorithm is independent of any programming language so any programmer can understand the logic.

Uploaded by

Haytham Qaisar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1. Define the term ‘Algorithm’.

[2]

 An algorithm is a set of steps/instructions…


Question Zone 1-3

 …needed to complete a software task.

2. Describe the difference between pseudocode and flowcharts. [2]

 A flowchart is used to describe the logical steps needed to solve a problem in a diagrammatic way.
 Pseudocode is used to describe the logical steps needed to solve a problem using text, written in a way that resembles programming languages.

3. Write an algorithm in pseudocode which asks for the user to input 2 numbers and then outputs their sum. [3]

INPUT number1
INPUT number2
answer = number1 + number2
OUTPUT answer
Question Zone 4-6

4. Create a flowchart which shows the logic required to ask the user to input a word, check its length and output one of two messages depending on its
length. If it is longer than 8 characters, “It’s a long word” should be outputted, otherwise “It’s a short word” should be outputted. [6]

5. “Effective algorithms are independent of any language”. Explain the meaning of this statement [2]
Question Zone 7-9

 This statement means that algorithms should be written ‘syntax free’…


 …so that any programmer, no matter what their preferred language is, can understand the logic and easily convert into software code.

6. Write an algorithm in pseudocode which shows the logic required to repeatedly ask the user to enter a password until it matches the string “pa$$word”. [5]

set_password = “pa$$word”
INPUT password
WHILE password != set_password:
INPUT password

7. Discuss the two methods of writing algorithms and explain which you think is the most effective for an experienced software designer. [4]

- Flowcharts are graphical and visually show decisions, branching and iterations.
- Could argue that it is suited to focusing on the overall logic of the problem.
- Could argue that it may be preferred by less-technical coders for complex problems
- Pseudocode is more linear in its presentation (decisions/branching/iterations are less clear) and resemble the way programming languages are
written.
- Could argue that it is more easily merged / converted into real code than flowcharts are.

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