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Algorithm, Pseudocode, and Flowchart (Chaudhuri, 2020)
In programming, an algorithm is a set of steps that generates a finite
sequence of simple computational operations leading to the solution of a
given problem. It must be expressed in a natural language that anyone can
follow, such as directions that can be written in English.
Example:
Design an algorithm that finds and displays the volume of a rectangle. It is
required I to know the rectangle’s length, width, and height, and the formula
for finding its volume. The formula is volume = length x width x height.
The algorithm to find and display the volume of the rectangle is as follows:
1. Get the length of the rectangle
2. Get the width of the rectangle
3. Get the height of the rectangle
4. Find the volume using the formula: volume = length x width x heights
5. Display the computed volume
The algorithm steps include: is also part of the problem-solving process in
the programming environment. The complete
1. Problem Analysis – evaluating and outlining the problem and its
solution requirements
2. Algorithm Design – designing an algorithm to solve problems.
3. Coding implementing the algorithm in a programming language.
4. Execution-verifying whether the algorithm works or not.
The two (2) commonly used tools in representing algorithms are through a
pseudocode or a flowchart.
Pseudocode
It is sa technique used to describe distinct steps of an algorithm that is much
easier to understand for anyone with basic programming knowledge.
Here are some rules that are frequently followed when writing pseudocode:
Symbols that are used for common operations:
Arithmetic operations (+, -, *, /)
• Comparison (=, =, <, >, <, 2)
O Assignment (=)
• Logical (and, or)
Keywords can be used as a command, such as PRI, WRITE, READ, SET, and
GO TO.
Indentation is used to indicate branches and loops of instructions.
Example:
Using the same example above:
The pseudocode to find and display the volume of the rectangle is:
READ length
READ width
READ height
SET volume to 0
COMPUTE volume as length width height
PRINT volume
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Basics of Programming
Programming Basics (DG Junior, 2023)
A computer program is a sequential set of instructions, known as codes,
written or “programmed” in a computer language to let the computer
perform a specific computation task. Examples include system software, web
browsers, utility software, multimedia software, and spreadsheet software.
It is important to note that the set of instructions in a computer program
must be performed sequentially unless directed otherwise. The instructions
in the set will express a unit of work that a computer language can support.
A computer language is a set of grammatical rules that commands a
computer or a device to behave in a specific way. It also refers to
programming language.
Programming
It is the art and science of instructing computers to perform tasks using a
specific programming language. It creates codes that tell a computer how to
solve problems and accomplish various operations. By writing code in
programming languages, programmers can develop computer programs or
software applications, design websites, analyze data, and automate
processes, among other operations.
As programming becomes a sought-after skill in various industries,
proficiency in programming opens up myriad career opportunities, from
software development and web development to data science and artificial
intelligence. Programming also enhances critical thinking, logical reasoning,
and problem-solving abilities that help programmers break down complex
tasks into manageable steps and develop efficient algorithms.
Evolution and History of Programming
Programming involved writing machine code initially. This consisted of binary
instructions (0 and 1) directly communicating with the computer’s hardware.
As technology progressed, high-level programming languages developed to
simplify the coding process. These languages allowed programmers to write
code using more human-readable syntax.
Currently, a wide ecosystem of programming languages and tools caters to
different programming paradigms and application domains.
Programming Paradigms
The term “paradigm” is synonymous with “pattern.” These refer to the
different approaches to structuring and organizing code. These provide a
conceptual framework for solving problems and designing software.
Here are some commonly used programming paradigms:
Procedural Programming or imperative programming, focuses on organizing
code into reusable procedures or functions, emphasizing the sequence of
steps to execute a program. Examples include BASIC, C and C++, Pascal,
and Java.
Object-oriented programming (OOP) – revolves around the concepts of
objects that encapsulate data and behavior that promotes modularity, code
reusability, and scalability. Examples include Python, VB.NET, and C#.
Functional Programming treats computation as evaluating mathematical
functions, emphasizing consistency, and avoiding side effects.
The nature of the project, requirements, and the desired programming style
are some of the basis for choosing the appropriate programming paradigm.
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Flowchart
It is a diagrammatic representation of the steps of an algorithm. It is a
pictorial representation that can be used as a substitute for an algorithm, as
a textual description of an algorithm may not be understood easily.
Flowcharts are classified into two (2) categories: Program flowcharts and
System flowcharts.
Program flowcharts illustrate the logical steps in a software program or
programming task to understand a process, workflow, or algorithm. They
contain the steps of solving a problem unit for a specific result.
System flowcharts – show how parts of a system work together by displaying
the data flow and how decisions can affect the events surrounding it.
Boxes of different shapes are used to represent various types of operations.
Lines then connect these boxes with arrows representing the direction or flow
to which one should proceed to know the next step.
Here are the standard symbols used in program flowcharts.
Symbol
Name
Terminal
Description
Shows the start and end of a set of computer-related processes
Input/Output
Shows any input/output operation
Computer Processing
Shows any processing performed by a computer system
Predefined Processing
Indicates any process not specially defined in the flowchart
Comment
Used for writing any explanatory statement required to clarify something
Flow line
Used for connecting the symbols
Document Input/Output
Used when input comes from a document, and output goes to a document
Decision
Shows any point in the process wherein a decision must be made to
determine further action
On-page Connector
Connects parts of a flowchart continued on the same page
Off-page Connector
Connects parts of a flowchart continued to separate pages
Table 1. Flowchart symbols. Retrieved from Chaudhuri, A. (2020). Flowchart
and algorithm basics: The art of programming. Mercury Learning and
Information.
Example:
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Using the example in Algorithm:
The flowchart to find and display the volume of the rectangle is:
START
READ length, width, height
Volume = length x width x height
PRINT volume
END
Five (5) Rules for Creating Program Flowcharts
The following rules must be observed while creating program flowcharts.
Only the standard symbols should be used in program flowcharts.
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The program logic should only show the flow from top to bottom and/or left
to right.
Each symbol should contain only one entry point and one exit point, except
the decision symbol. It is known as the single rule.
The operations shown within a symbol should be expressed independently of
any programming language.
All decision branches should be well-labeled.
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References:
Chaudhuri, A. (2020). Flowchart and algorithm basics: The art of
programming. Mercury Learning and Information DG Junior (2023). Basics of
programming: A comprehensive guide for beginners DG Junior.
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Programming Languages
Numerous programming languages are available, each with its unique
syntax, features, areas of specialization, and community support, making it
suitable for specific projects. This can be classified into two (2) Low-level and
high-level languages.
Low-level Language – a programming language closer to machine code and
hardware in terms of syntax. It provides direct control over the computer’s
hardware and resources, allowing programmers to write code at a more
detailed level. It is commonly used for tasks requiring precise control and
efficient execution. Examples of this language include the following:
• Assembly Language – uses specific instructions to control a computer’s
hardware.
Machine Language-all instructions are written as binary numbers (1 and 0).
High-level Language a programming language designed to be easy for
humans to read, write, and understand, allowing programmers to write
computer programs and interact with a computer system without needing
specific knowledge of the processor or hardware that the program will run
on. Examples include C++, Pascal, PHP, Python, and Java.
Choosing a programming language depends on different factors such as
project requirements, performance needs, community support, and available
libraries or frameworks.
Other Programming Terminologies
Here are some terminologies that can be useful to understand programming
further.
Syntax
It is a set of rules defining the various combinations and ions an valid
statement in a language. Arrangements. Of symbols or characters to create a
Command
It is the unique instruction given to a computer application to perform a task
of a function such as “print” to display text on the screen.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
It is a software application for formatting the code, checking the syntax, and
running and testing the code. IDEs can work with multiple programming
languages, while some are specific to only one language.
Library
It is a collection of useful resources, such as objects and functions, that can
be used individually and must be configured to work together. It tis pre-built
ori installed in an IDE or Integrated Development Environment.
Interpreter
It is a program that directly executes instructions in a high-level language
without converting them into a machine language.
Assembler
Conver
Compiler
It is a program that converts high-level languages into machine-readable
code that a computer can execute.
It Is program language. That converts instructions written in low-level
assembly code into relocatable machine n that
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