Algorithms

Algorithms

1. What is an Algorithm? An algorithm is a plan, a logic step-by step process for solving a problem. Algorithms are usually written in pseudocode

2. Pseudocode

   • What is a pseudocode? A normal computer program will use developed programming languages. Pseudocode is not a programming language, it is a simple way of describing a set of instructions that does not have to use specific syntax.
   • There is no strict set of standard notations for pseudocode, but some of the most widely recognised are:
     • OUTPUT – indicates that an output will appear on the screen WHILE – a loop (iteration that has a condition at the beginning) FOR – a counting loop (iteration) REPEAT – UNTIL – a loop (iteration) that has a condition at the end IF – THEN – ELSE – a decision (selection) in which a choice is made. Any instructions that occur inside a selection or iteration are usually indented 
     • OUTPUT – indicates that an output will appear on the screen
     • WHILE – a loop (iteration that has a condition at the beginning)
     • INPUT – indicates a user will be inputting something
     • IF – THEN – ELSE – a decision (selection) in which a choice is made.
     • FOR – a counting loop (iteration)
     • REPEAT – UNTIL – a loop (iteration) that has a condition at the end

3. There are 3 sections when writing algorithms and they are:

   • Input - put (data) into a computer.
   • Output- (of a computer or other device) produce, deliver, or supply (data).
   • Process -A process is an instance of a program running in a computer.- To carry out a task before/after inputs/outputs