Psuedocode

When coding in either VEXcode VR (virtual robots) or VEXcode V5 (in-class builds), it is best to start with the block based computer programming language. This means that you can develop a computer program by dragging-and-dropping together blocks of programming instructions. Block-based programming is a springboard for learning how to write a text-based program such as Python or C++.

Pseudocode is a compact and informal description of a computer program. It is a hybrid language that combines the features of the programming language with the native language of the person writing the program. Emphasis is placed on expressing the behavior or outcome of each portion of code rather than on strictly correct syntax (it does still need to be reasonable, though).

In general pseudocode is used to outline a program before translating it into blocks of code or proper syntax. This helps in the initial planning of a program by creating the logical framework and sequence that the code will follow.

Below is an example of pseudocode that combines the English language with some parts of VEXcode.

Now compare the pseudocode to the block and text code (Python) written to perform this set of behaviors.

Let's Code!