Programming Concepts
Algorithms, Pseudocode, Problem Statements, Flowcharts, IPO Charts
Problem Statements
a concise description of an issue to be addressed or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the current (problem) state and desired (goal) state of a process or product. Focusing on the facts, the problem statement should be designed to address the Five Ws. The first condition of solving a problem is understanding the problem, which can be done by way of a problem statement.
Systematically converted into algorithms then program code through decomposition.
Algorithms
(1) finite set of well-defined rules for the solution of a problem in a finite number of steps
(2) sequence of operations for performing a specific task
(3) finite ordered set of well-defined rules for the solution of a problem
Pseudocode
(1) combination of programming language constructs and natural language used to express a computer program design
(2) general term for structured English or program design language
(3) English-like statements used for low-level program design
Example: IF the data arrives faster than expected, THEN reject every third input ELSE process all data received ENDIF.
Flowcharts
(1) graphical representation of a process or the step-by-step solution of a problem, using suitably annotated geometric figures connected by flowlines for the purpose of designing or documenting a process or program
(2) graphical representation of the definition, analysis, or method of solution of a problem in which symbols are used to represent operations, data, flow, equipment, etc
(3) control flow diagram in which suitably annotated geometrical figures are used to represent operations, data, or equipment, and arrows are used to indicate the sequential flow from one to another
(4) the depiction in a diagram format of the inputs, process actions, and outputs of one or more processes within a system
RAPTOR flowchart software (portable apps version)
Robozzle puzzle game