PSEUDOCODE

Pseudocode

Pseudocode

Introduction

Pseudocode is a compact and informal high-level description of a computer programming algorithm that uses the structural conventions of a programming language, but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading. Pseudocode typically omits details that are not essential for human understanding of the algorithm, such as variable declarations, system-specific code and subroutines. The programming language is augmented with natural language descriptions of the details, where convenient, or with compact mathematical notation. The purpose of using pseudocode is that it is easier for humans to understand than conventional programming language code, and that it is a compact and environment-independent description of the key principles of an algorithm. It is commonly used in textbooks and scientific publications that are documenting various algorithms, and also in planning of computer program development, for sketching out the structure of the program before the actual coding takes place.

Pseudocode consists of short, English phrases used to explain specific tasks within a program's algorithm. Pseudocode should not include keywords in any specific computer languages. It should be written as a list of consecutive phrases. You should not use flowcharting symbols but you can draw arrows to show looping processes. Indentation can be used to show the logic in pseudocode as well. For example, a first-year, 9th grade Visual Basic programmer should be able to read and understand the pseudocode written by a 12th grade AP Data Structures student. In fact, the VB programmer could take the other student's pseudocode and generate a VB program based on that pseudo code.

The programming process is a complicated one. You must first understand the program specifications, of course, Then you need to organize your thoughts and create the program. This is a difficult task when the program is not trivial (i.e. easy). You must break the main tasks that must be accomplished into smaller ones in order to be able to eventually write fully developed code. Writing pseudo code WILL save you time later during the construction & testing phase of a program's development.

Discussion

Pseudocode is a compact and informal high-level description of a computer programming algorithm that uses the structural conventions of a programming language, but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading. Pseudocode typically omits details that are not essential for human understanding of the algorithm, such as variable declarations, system-specific code and subroutines. The programming language is augmented with natural language descriptions of the details, where convenient, or with compact mathematical notation. The purpose of using pseudocode is that it is easier for humans to understand than conventional programming language code, and that it is a compact and environment-independent description of the key principles of an algorithm. It is commonly used in textbooks and scientific publications that are documenting various algorithms, and also in planning of computer program development, for sketching out the structure of the program before the actual coding takes place.

Prior to the algorithm construction, the student has to develop skills in identifying the key aspects of the problem and planning a ...