Iterative Process

Pseudocode

An informal method of writing algorithmic instructions.

Input/Output (Parallelogram)

Asks for input from the user, and based on that will produce an output.

Design an Algorithm

Create a visual representation.

Idea

Define and understand the problem.

Imperative Statements

Each instruction in the second version is written as a command with a verb phrase that clearly denotes which operation needs to be performed (in this case, "put on"). The first version lacks these verbs and leaves it unclear what is to be done with these pants, shoes, and shirt. Put them on? Take them off? Wash them? Buy them? Sell them? Who knows? The algorithm doesn't say.

Sequencing

Executes statements one at a time - in order, one after another.

Iteration

Repeatedly applying a process with the goal of coming closer and closer to a solution.

Iteration

Repetition - one complete step of a loop, repeated until a certain condition is met.

Evaluate and Test

Run, test, and get feedback on a solution.

Terminal (Oval)

Shows the beginning and the end of the program.

Flow-line

Shows the steps in regards to where the logic goes next.

Flowchart

Simple diagram with symbols showing the "flow" of a process.

Process (Rectangle)

Something that changes the original state.

Format

The first version merely lists four words in succession, but doesn't make clear that this is an algorithm consisting of four discrete steps that must be performed. In the second version, each individual step is written on its own line, helping to make it visually clear each step is separate and unique from the other steps.

Descriptive Qualifiers

The first version only lists two shoes, but does not make any distinction between the left shoe and the right shoe. Maybe it doesn't matter whether you interpret the instructions as "left shoe, right shoe" or "right shoe, left shoe." But it probably does matter if you interpret it as "left shoe, left shoe." However, the second version of the algorithm eliminates this possible confusion by explicitly stating which shoe should be put on at each step in the process.

Iterative Development Process

The process by which computer programs are designed, developed and tested in repeated cycles.

Innovating

The process of imagining something that does not yet exist, but that has potential value, and making it real through the application of design, implementation, and production.

Debug

To identify and remove errors from a computer program.

Iterate

To repeat a process in order to get a different and better result each time.

Selection

Uses "if...then" to tell a computer how to select a step or to tell the sequence that it should be executed.

Condition (Diamond)

Which way the logic will flow based on the result of the condition.

Create and Implement

Write the code to implement the plan.

natural language

a complex, but structured language, both written and spoken, that has evolved naturally in humans through use, repetition, and adaptation.

artificial language

a limited size language, usually developed by a small group for specific purposes. Usually much simpler and structured.

low-level language

a programming language that has little or no abstraction and communicates closely to the hardware using machine language. Less natural for humans.

high-level language

a programming language that is easier for humans to read, write, and parse. Guaranteed to be unambiguous.

visual programming language

a programming language that lets users drag and drop icons into organized blocks of code to create programs rather than typing text.

binary

machine code that is a direct, low-level translation from the high-level source code, and is a pattern of 0s and 1s.

machine code

machine-level instructions that are uniquely read by computer processors using patterns of 1s and 0s.

source code

programs written in high-level languages.

abstraction

the process of removing or suppressing details to create a manageable level of complexity.

compilation

the process of source code being translated into machine code.

ambiguity

uncertainty or being open to more than one interpretation.