Introduction to Algorithms –

Pseudocode and flowchart

CT108-3-1 Python Programming

(PYP)
 Topic & Structure of the lesson

• Problem Solving Using Programmed

Solutions
– Introduction to algorithms
– Program design using pseudocodes and
simple notations of flowcharts
• sequence
• basic mathematics

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing Slide 2 (of 22)

 Learning outcomes

• At the end of this lecture you should be

able to:
– Define the steps in developing a program:
• define a problem
• outline a solution using algorithms –
– sequence
– basic mathematics

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing Slide 3 (of 22)

 Key terms you must be able to
use
• If you have mastered this topic, you
should be able to use the following terms
correctly in your assignments and exams:

– Algorithms
– Pseudocode
– Flowchart

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing Slide 4 (of 22)

 What is a Program?

• a collection of computer instructions or

operations
• grouped together
• logical manner
• accomplish a given task.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Six Basic Computer Operations

• A computer can
– receive information.
– output information.
– perform arithmetic.
– assign a value to a piece of data.
– compare two pieces of information and select
one of two alternative actions.
– repeat a group of actions.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 What is an Algorithm?

• lists the steps involved in accomplishing a

task
• a set of detailed, unambiguous and
ordered instructions developed to describe
the processes necessary to produce the
desired output from a given input.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Introduction to Algorithm Tools

• An algorithm can be represented using

– Pseudocode
– Flowcharts

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Pseudocode

• No standard pseudocode.
• Statements are written in simple English.
• Each instruction is written on a separate line.
• Keywords and indentation are used to signify
particular control structures
• Each set of instructions is written from top to
bottom, with only one entry and one exit.
• Group of statements may be formed in modules
and that group is given a name.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Flowchart

• graphical representation of the program

logic
• uses a series of geometrical symbols and
lines which are connected according to the
logic of the algorithm

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Structured Programming

• Refers to
– Structure Theorem
• Sequence
• Selection (IF-THEN-ELSE)
• Repetition (DOWHILE)
– Top down development
• Outline general solution
• Break down into detailed steps
• Also known as stepwise refinement or functional decomposition
– Modular Design
• Grouping tasks together because they all perform the same function
• Aids in reading and understanding the program
CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing
 Steps to Developing a Program

1. Define the problem.

2. Outline the solution.
3. Develop the outline into an algorithm.
4. Test the algorithm for correctness.
5. Code the algorithm into a specific programming
language.
6. Run the program on the computer.
7. Document and maintain the program.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 1. Define The Problem

• Divide the problem into THREE separate

components
– Inputs: a list of source data provided to the
problem
– Outputs: a list of the outputs required
– Processing: a list of actions needed to
produce the required outputs
The above three items can be presented in
a defining diagram.- IPO Chart
CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing
 Defining Diagram

Input Processing Output

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 2. Outline The Solution

• During this stage, certain details are

identified from the
problem by analyzing it further, such as:
– major processing tasks involved.
– major subtasks (if any)
– major control structures.
– major variables
– mainline logic

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 3. Develop The Algorithm

• A detailed step by step algorithm is

written out.
• Often use one of three tools:
– Pseudocode
– Flowcharts
– Nassi-Schneiderman diagrams – will not be
covered in this module

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Pseudocode

• Common terms used

– Begin / End
– Display
– Prompt user for
– Read
– IF ( ) THEN
ELSE
ENDIF
– DOWHILE ( )
ENDDO

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Flowchart

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Flowchart

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 4. Test Algorithm For Correctness

• one of the most important in the

development of a program, and yet it is the
step most often forgotten.
• The main purpose of desk checking the
algorithm is to identify major logic errors
early, so that they may be easily corrected.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 5. Code the Algorithm

• Code the algorithm into a specific

programming language.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 6. Run the Program

• Use a program compiler and programmer-

designed test data to machine-test the
code for both syntax and logic errors.

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Document and Maintain the
Program
• Program documentation
– should not be listed as the last step
– Really an ongoing task from the initial definition of the
problem to the final test result.
– Involves both external documentation (such as
hierarchy charts, the solution algorithm, and test data
results) and internal documentation which may have
been coded in the program.
• Program maintenance refers to changes which
may need to be made to a program throughout
its life.
CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing
 Summary of Main Teaching
Points
• Problem Solving Using Programmed
Solutions
– Introduction to algorithms
– Program design using pseudocodes and
simple notations of flowcharts
• sequence
• basic mathematics

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing

 Next Session

• Problem Solving Using Programmed

Solutions
– Introduction to control structure and iteration
– Program design using pseudocodes and
simple notations of flowcharts
• control structure
– if
– case
• iteration

CT010-3-1 Fundamentals of Software Development Module Briefing