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Pseudocode
Task
Introduction
This task will introduce the concept of pseudocode. Although pseudocode is not a
formal programming language, it will ease your transition into the world of
programming. Pseudocode makes creating programs easier because, as you may have
guessed, programs can sometimes be complex and long, so preparation is key. It is
difficult to find errors without understanding the complete flow of a program. This is
the reason why you will begin your adventure into programming with pseudocode.
Once you’ve mastered the art of using pseudocode to tackle complex programming
problems, you’ll move on to the second section of this task, where you’ll have the
opportunity to learn about algorithms, and how you can write them efficiently and
succinctly.

Extra resources

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Pseudocode
What is pseudocode? And why do you need to know about it? Well, being a
programmer means that you will often have to visualise a problem and know how to
implement the steps to solve a particular conundrum. This process is known as writing
pseudocode.

Pseudocode is not actual code; instead, it is a detailed yet informal description of what
a computer program or algorithm must do. It is intended for human reading rather
than machine reading. Therefore, it is easier for people to understand than
conventional programming language code. Pseudocode does not need to obey any
specific syntax rules, unlike conventional programming languages. Hence, it can be
understood by any programmer, irrespective of the programming languages they’re
familiar with.

As a programmer, pseudocode will help you better understand how to implement

an algorithm, especially if it is unfamiliar to you. You can then translate your
pseudocode into your chosen programming language.

Algorithms
Simply put, an algorithm is a step-by-step method of solving a problem. To understand
this better, it might help to consider an example that is not algorithmic. When you
learned to multiply single-digit numbers, you probably memorised the multiplication
table for each number (say n) all the way up to n x 10. In effect, you memorised 100
specific solutions. That kind of knowledge is not algorithmic. But along the way, you
probably recognised a pattern and made up a few tricks.

For example, to find the product of n and 9 (when n is less than 10), you can write n − 1
as the first digit and 10 − n as the second digit (e.g., 7 x 9 = 63). This trick is a general
solution for multiplying any single-digit number by 9. That’s an algorithm! Similarly, the
techniques you learned for addition with carrying, subtraction with borrowing, and long
division are all algorithms.

One of the characteristics of algorithms is that they do not require any intelligence to
execute. Once you have an algorithm, it’s a mechanical process in which each step
follows from the last according to a simple set of rules (like a recipe). However, breaking
down a hard problem into precise, logical algorithmic processes to reach the desired
solution is what requires intelligence or computational thinking.

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Designing algorithms
This process of designing algorithms is interesting, intellectually challenging, and a
core part of programming. But some of the things that people do naturally, without
difficulty or conscious thought, are the hardest to express algorithmically.
Understanding natural language is a good example. We all do it, but so far no one has
been able to explain how we do it, at least not in the form of an algorithm.

In some instances, you may be required to draft algorithms for a third party. Therefore,
it is essential that your algorithms satisfy a particular set of criteria so that they can
easily be read by anyone.

Generally, an algorithm should usually have some input and, of course, some eventual
output.

Input and output

Input can be data or information sent to the computer using an input device, such as a
keyboard, mouse, or touchpad. Output is information that is transferred out from the
computer, such as anything you might view on the computer monitor. It is sent out of
the computer using an output device, such as a monitor, printer, or speaker.

Input and output help the user keep track of the current status of the program and
they also aid in debugging if any errors arise. Debugging is the process of identifying
and resolving errors, or “bugs”, in software.

For example, say you have a series of calculations in your program that build on each
other, so it would be helpful to print out each of the programs to see if you’re getting
the desired result at each stage. Therefore, if a particular sequence in the calculation is
incorrect, you would know exactly where to look and what to adjust.

Take a look at the pseudocode example below that deals with multiple inputs and
outputs.

Problem

Write an algorithm that asks a user to input a password and then stores the password
in a variable (the simplest structure we use in coding to store values – you’ll learn more
about these soon) called “password”. Subsequently, the algorithm requests input from
the user. If the input does not match the password, it stores the incorrect passwords in
a list until the correct password is entered, and then prints out the content of the
variable “password” (i.e., the right password) and the incorrect passwords.

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Pseudocode solution
request input from the user

store input into variable called “password”

request second input from the user

if the second input is equal to “password”

print out the “password” and the incorrect inputs (which should be
none at this point)

if the second input is not equal to “password”

request input until second input matches password

store the non-matching input for later output

when second input matches “password”

print out “password”

and print out all incorrect inputs.

Variables
In a program, variables act as a kind of “storage location” for data. They are a way of
naming or labelling information so that we can refer to that particular piece of
information later on in the algorithm. For example, say you want to store the age of the
user so that the algorithm can use it later. You can store the user's age in a variable
called “age”. Now, every time you need the user's age you can input the variable “age”
to reference it.

As you can see, variables are very useful when you need to use and keep track of
multiple pieces of information in your algorithm. This is just a quick introduction to
variables, and you will get a more in-depth explanation later on in this course.

Writing algorithms
Now that you are familiar with variables, take a look at some of the important factors to
keep in mind when writing algorithms for your pseudocode.

Clarity
Clarity in algorithms is crucial. Your algorithm should be unambiguous, which means
an algorithm should be straightforward and not open to multiple interpretations.
Ambiguity occurs when a statement can be understood in various ways. You should

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make sure that your algorithms are clear and concise to avoid any misunderstandings
or unexpected results.

Correctness
Algorithms must accurately address and resolve a specific set of problems, which is a
concept known as correctness and generality. Your algorithm should execute without
errors and effectively solve the problem it's designed to address.

Capacity
Last but not least, consider the capacity of your computing resources. Resources such
as CPU power and memory are limited. Some tasks might require more memory than
your computer has or could take too long to complete. It’s important to find ways to
write efficient code to reduce the load on your machine.

Pseudocode syntax
There is no specific convention for writing pseudocode, as a program in pseudocode
cannot be executed. In other words, pseudocode itself is not a programming
language. It is a model of all programming languages that one uses to make eventual
coding a little simpler.

Pseudocode is easy to write and understand, even if you have no programming

experience. You simply need to write down a logical breakdown of what you want your
program to do. Therefore, it is a good tool to use to discuss, analyse, and agree on a
program's design with a team of programmers, users, and clients before coding the
solution.

Examples
Consider the following examples:

Example 1
An algorithm that prints out “passed” or “failed” depending on whether a student's
grade is greater than or equal to 50 could be written in pseudocode as follows:

get grade

if grade is equal to or greater than 50

print "passed"

else

print "failed"

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Example 2
An algorithm that asks a user to enter their name and prints out "Hello, World" if their
name is "John" would be written as follows:

request user's name

if the input name is equal to "John"

print "Hello, World"

Example 3
An algorithm that requests an integer from the user and prints "fizz" if the number is
even or "buzz" if it is odd would be written like this:

request an integer from the user

if the integer is even

print "fizz"

else if the integer is odd

print "buzz"

Example 4
An algorithm that calculates the grade average by inputting and adding up the grades
of each of the 10 students, and then prints out the class average, would be written as
follows:

Set the total class grade to zero

Set counter to one

While counter is less than or equal to ten

Input the student’s grade

Add the student’s grade to the total class grade

Calculate the class average by dividing the total grade sum by ten

Print the class average

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Flowcharts
Flowcharts can be thought of as a graphical implementation of pseudocode. They can
be used because they are more visually appealing and probably more readable than a
“text-based” version of pseudocode. An example of a flowchart that would visualise the
algorithm for Example 3 above is shown in the following image:

Example 3 flowchart

There are a number of shapes or symbols used with flowcharts to denote the type of
instruction or function you are using for each step of the algorithm. The most common
symbols used for flowcharts are shown in the table below:

Symbol Use

Indicates the start and end of an algorithm.

Used to get or display any data involved in the algorithm.

Indicates any processing or calculations that need to be done.

Indicates any decisions in an algorithm.

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Think like a programmer
Thus far, you’ve covered concepts that will help you start to think like a programmer.
But, what exactly does thinking like a programmer entail?

Well, this way of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics,
engineering, and natural science. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal
languages to denote ideas (specifically computations). Like engineers, they design
things, assemble components into systems, and evaluate tradeoffs among alternatives.
Like scientists, they observe the behaviour of complex systems, form hypotheses, and
test predictions.

The single most important skill for a computer scientist is problem-solving.

Problem-solving means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about
solutions, and express solutions clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of
learning to program is an excellent opportunity to practise problem-solving skills.

On one level, you will be learning to program, a useful skill by itself. On another level,
you will use programming as a means to an end. As we go along, that end will become
clearer.

Another important part of thinking like a programmer is actually thinking like a

computer. The computer will run code in a logical step-by-step, line-by-line process.
That means that it can’t jump around. For example, if you want to write a program that
adds two numbers together, you have to give the computer the numbers first before
you instruct it to add them together. This is an important concept to keep in mind as
you start your coding journey.

Code hack

Pseudocode is one of the most underrated tools a programmer has. It’s worth getting
into the habit of writing your thought process in pseudocode in a book or a separate file
before you actually begin coding. This will help you make sure your logic is sound and
your program is more likely to work!

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Practical task
Follow these steps:

● Use a plain text editor like Notepad++. Create a new text file called
pseudo.txt inside the folder for this task.

● Inside pseudo.txt, write pseudocode for each of the following scenarios:

○ An algorithm that asks a user to enter a positive number repeatedly

until the user enters a zero value, then determines and outputs the
largest of the numbers that were input.

○ An algorithm that requests a user to input their name and then

stores their name in a variable called first_name. Subsequently, the
algorithm should print out first_name along with the phrase “Hello,
World”.

○ An algorithm that reads an arbitrary number of integers and then

returns their arithmetic average.

○ An algorithm that reads a grocery list and prints out the products
(in alphabetical order) that are still left to buy.

○ An algorithm for the flowchart below:

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