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Lesson 2

The document outlines the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC), which includes stages such as analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance of computer programs. It emphasizes the importance of algorithms, flowcharts, and pseudo code in developing effective solutions to computational tasks. Additionally, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of flowcharts and pseudo code as tools for representing algorithms.

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19 views16 pages

Lesson 2

The document outlines the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC), which includes stages such as analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance of computer programs. It emphasizes the importance of algorithms, flowcharts, and pseudo code in developing effective solutions to computational tasks. Additionally, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of flowcharts and pseudo code as tools for representing algorithms.

Uploaded by

wawudadora97
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

LIFE CYCLE
Program

• A program is a set of instructions that a computer can


read and execute. The programs are written to solve
problems or perform a task on a computer.
• This cycle provides a set of phases and steps that are
followed by developers to define, design, develop and
maintain a computer program.
PDLC STAGES

1. Analysis and specification


2. Design the program
3. Design the interface
4. Code the program
5. Test the program
6. Document the program
7. Maintain the program
PDLC STAGES

• Analyze and specification: Define the problem. Understand the inputs, the
required processing and expected output.
• Design the program: Plan the solution to the problem. Then, define the
logical sequence of precise steps to solve the problem (Algorithm).The
logic plan can be developed using the three methods: flowcharts, pseudo
codes e.t.c.
• Design the interface: Determine how the inputs will be obtained and how
the output will be displayed.
• Code: Translate the algorithm into programming language. In this stage
the programmer will use the algorithm in step [ii] and a given
programming language.
PDLC STAGES
• Test and debug: Locate and remove any errors in the program. Testing is
the process of finding errors in the programs. Debugging is the process of
correcting errors that are found. An error in a program is called abug.
• Documentation: Organize all the material that describes the program.i.e
allow another person at a later date to understand the program. Can be
internal documentation (e.g. comments) or user manuals.
• Maintain the program: This involves training and supporting users as well
as correcting any errors that may arise in future. When the cost of
maintenance exceeds the benefits of the system, the cycle begins again.
Algorithm

• An algorithm is a finite sequence of steps for accomplishing


some computational task.
• A good algorithm must satisfy the following characteristics
• Ordered: The steps must be properly ordered and logical
Concise: The steps must be unambiguous
• Finiteness: The steps must be finite : start and end at some
point.
• Input: The inputs must be clearly specified
• Output: The expected results must be specified
• Effectiveness: The steps specified must be doable.
Developing an Algorithm

• To develop an algorithm a number of tools can be


used:
– Flowchart
– Pseudo code
– Top down chart/Hierarchy charts
– Decision tables
Flowchart

• This is a graphical representation of the logical steps


needed to carry out a task.
Flow Chart Symbols
Advantages of flowchart

– Flowcharts are a better way of communicating the logic of


the system.
– With the help of a flowchart, problem can be analyzed
easily.
– They serve as a good program documentation.
Disadvantages of flowchart

– For a complex problem, the flowchart becomes complex


and clumsy.
– If alterations are required, the flowchart may require
redrawing completely.
– The flow chart symbols cannot be typed and so
reproduction of a flowchart becomes difficulty.
Flow Chart Example

• Example: Using a flowchart design an algorithm to test


if temperature is less than 32 degree Celsius. If it
exceeds 32 then print “cover tomatoes” otherwise
“uncover tomatoes”.
Output
Pseudo code
– It is a representation an algorithm using natural language
statements e.g. structured English. It describes the entire
logic of the algorithm.
– It is not an executable code.
Advantages of pseudo code

– Reduced complexity
– Easy to understand
– Easy to translate to code
– No special symbols required
– Saves time spent during coding, testing and debugging.
Disadvantages of pseudo code

– Can be ambiguous because it uses natural language.


– Pseudo code has few rules and it is hard to standardize.
– The pseudo code focuses on details than the bigger picture
of the algorithm.

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