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CPNM Lecture 3 - Algorithms and Flowcharts

The document discusses algorithms as sequences of computational steps that transform inputs into outputs, emphasizing their properties such as finiteness, definiteness, and effectiveness. It also covers the complexity of algorithms in terms of time and space, and illustrates algorithm expression through natural language, flowcharts, pseudo code, and programming languages. Examples provided include calculating factorials and determining simple interest, along with flowchart representations.

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3 views

CPNM Lecture 3 - Algorithms and Flowcharts

The document discusses algorithms as sequences of computational steps that transform inputs into outputs, emphasizing their properties such as finiteness, definiteness, and effectiveness. It also covers the complexity of algorithms in terms of time and space, and illustrates algorithm expression through natural language, flowcharts, pseudo code, and programming languages. Examples provided include calculating factorials and determining simple interest, along with flowchart representations.

Uploaded by

roleri2503
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CPNM Lecture 3 - Algorithms and Flowcharts

Mridul Sankar Barik

Jadavpur University

2024
Algorithms
▶ An algorithm is a sequence of computational steps that transform the
input into the output
▶ An algorithm acts as a tool for solving a well-specified computational
problem
▶ The statement of the problem specifies in general terms the
desired input/output relationship
▶ The algorithm describes a specific computational procedure for
achieving that input/output relationship
▶ Example:
▶ The problem of sorting a sequence of numbers into increasing
order is formally defined as
Input: A sequence of n numbers < a1 , a2 , . . . , an >
Output: A permutation (reordering ) < a1′ , a2′ , . . . , an′ > of the
input sequence such that a1′ ≤ a2′ ≤ . . . ≤ an′
▶ There are different algorithms for solving the sorting problem
(Ex.- Bubble sort, Insertion sort, Merge Sort, Queick sort etc.)
▶ Each of the sorting algorithm can have different
implementations (possibly in different programming languages)
Properties of Algorithm
▶ Finiteness: An algorithm must always terminate after a finite
number of steps
▶ Definiteness: Each step of an algorithm must be precisely
and unambiguously defined.
▶ In case of conditionals, explicit handling of all outcomes
▶ In case of loop, explicitness about when to stop
▶ Input: An algorithm has zero or more inputs, i.e, quantities
which are given to it initially before the algorithm begins.
▶ Output: An algorithm has one or more outputs i.e, quantities
which have a specified relation to the inputs.
▶ Effectiveness: All operations to be performed must be
sufficiently basic that they can be done exactly and in a finite
amount of time.
▶ Example of Non Effectiveness: Find exact value of e using the
formula
1 1 3
e =1+ + + + ...
1! 2! 3!
Summation of infinite terms requires infinite time
Complexity of Algorithm

▶ Time Complexity: Running time of the program as a


function of input size
▶ Space Complexity: Amount of computer memory required
during the program execution, as a function of input size
Example of Algorithm

▶ Example 1: Calculate factorial of a number


Algorithm:

Input: N
Output: N!

Step 1: Fact = 1
Step 2: if N > 1
Step 3: Fact = Fact * N
Step 4: N = N - 1
Step 5: goto Step 2
Step 6: Print Fact
Expressing Algorithms

▶ Natural Languages: usually verbose and ambiguous


▶ Flow Charts:
▶ avoid most (if not all) issues of ambiguity
▶ difficult to modify w/o specialized tools
▶ largely standardized
▶ Pseudo Code:
▶ avoids most issues of ambiguity
▶ closely resembles common elements of programming languages
▶ does not conform to particular agreement on syntax
▶ Programming Language: tend to require expressing low-level
details that are not necessary for a high-level understanding
Flow Charts I

▶ A flow chart, or flow diagram, is a graphical representation of


a process or system that details the sequencing of steps
required to generate the desired output

Figure 1: Flow Chart Symbols


Flow Charts II

▶ Example: Calculate simple interest


Flow Charts III

▶ Example: Find whether a given number is odd or even

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