Algorithm -
Pseudocode and
Flowchart
Assoc. Prof. Kazeem O. Oyebode
PhD Computer Engineering
Learning objectives
● Define pseudocode and explain its
purpose in representing computer
programs.
● Define flowcharts and describe their
purpose in visualizing program flow and
decision-making.
● Demonstrate the skill to translate
problem statements into flowcharts
and algorithms.
Algorithm
● An algorithm is a step-by-step process of solving a problem eiciently
● Algorithm is important in software engineering because it provides an
high level view of how a problem would be solved.
Characteristics of an Algorithm
● An algorithm must have input and output.
● An algorithm must be finite - it must have an end point.
● An algorithm should have sequence of steps.
● An algorithm should be reusable - it should be able to solve similar
problems .
Algorithm
● An algorithm can be visualized by means of
○ Flow chart
○ Pseudocode
Pseudocode
What is Pseudocode?
● Pseudocode is an English-like way of stating an
algorithm.
● Pseudocode is an informal and compact high-level
view of an algorithm
Pseudocode
What is Pseudocode?
● It does not have to follow the syntax of any particular
programming language.
● It however requires you to know how computers
operate. E.g. computers can prompt for input,
computers can store values, etc.
Pseudocode
● Example: Problem 1
○ Suppose we need to multiply and add any two
integer numbers supplied from a field experiment.
Write a pseudocode that shows your algorithm for
carrying out the task.
Pseudocode
● Problem 1 Solution:
○ prompt the user for number 1
○ save input to num1
○ prompt user for number 2
○ save input to num2
○ sum = num1 + num2
○ product = num1 * num2
○ print sum
○ print product
Pseudocode
● Example: Problem 2
○ Write a pseudocode solution that takes any integer value and
determines whether it is odd or even.
Pseudocode
● Problem 2 Solution:
○ prompt the user to enter the integer
○ save input in number
○ check if a reminder exists if you divide number by 2
○ if there is a reminder, print “the number is odd”
○ if otherwise, print “the number is even”
Flowchart
● A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm
● Five figures are typically used to represent a flowchart
Flowchart
Flowchart
● Example: Problem 1:
○ We need to multiply and add any two integer numbers supplied
from a field experiment.
○ Write a flowchart that shows your algorithm for carrying out that
repetitive task.
Flowchart solution 1
Flowchart
● Example Problem 2
○ Write a pseudocode solution that takes any integer value and
determines whether it is odd or even.
○ Draw an equivalent flowchart.
Flowchart solution 1
Class assignment
● Create a pseudocode and flowchart for the problem statement below:
○ Find the average of numbers entered by user.
Summary
Summary
● We now know how pseudocode works
● Also flowchart is understood
● Finally, you know how to utilize pseudocode and flowchart in
problem solving.
FURTHER READING RESOURCES
● Python Programming Fundamentals (2nd Edition) by Kent
D. Lee
● Flowchart and Algorithm Basics: The Art of Programming
y A. B. Chaudhuri | Jun 23, 2020
● Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer
Science (2nd Edition) by John Zelle
Thank
You
