Lect1 - Algorithms and Flowchart
Lect1 - Algorithms and Flowchart
FLOWCHARTS
Implementation phase
implement the program in some programming
language
Steps in Problem Solving
First produce a general algorithm (one can use
pseudocode)
Refine the algorithm successively to get step by
step detailed algorithm that is very close to a
computer language.
Pseudocode is an artificial and informal
language that helps programmers develop
algorithms. Pseudocode is very similar to
everyday English.
Pseudocode & Algorithm
Example 1: Write an algorithm to
determine a student’s final grade and
indicate whether it is passing or failing.
The final grade is calculated as the
average of four marks.
Pseudocode & Algorithm
Pseudocode:
Input a set of 4 marks
Calculate their average by summing and dividing
by 4
if average is below 50
Print “FAIL”
else
Print “PASS”
Pseudocode & Algorithm
Detailed Algorithm
Step 1: Input M1,M2,M3,M4
Step 2: GRADE (M1+M2+M3+M4)/4
Step 3: if (GRADE < 50) then
Print “FAIL”
else
Print “PASS”
endif
The Flowchart
(Dictionary) A schematic representation of a sequence of
operations, as in a manufacturing process or computer
program.
(Technical) A graphical representation of the sequence of
operations in an information system or program.
Information system flowcharts show how data flows from source
documents through the computer to final distribution to users.
Program flowcharts show the sequence of instructions in a single
program or subroutine. Different symbols are used to draw each
type of flowchart.
The Flowchart
A Flowchart
shows logic of an algorithm
emphasizes individual steps and their
interconnections
e.g. control flow from one action to the next
Flowchart Symbols
Basic
Name Symbol Use in Flowchart
PRINT PRINT
“PASS” “FAIL”
STOP
Example 2
Write an algorithm and draw a flowchart to
convert the length in feet to centimeter.
Pseudocode:
Input the length in feet (Lft)
Calculate the length in cm (Lcm) by
multiplying LFT with 30
Print length in cm (LCM)
Example 2
Flowchart
Algorithm START
Print
Lcm
STOP
Example 3
Write an algorithm and draw a flowchart that
will read the two sides of a rectangle and
calculate its area.
Pseudocode
Input the width (W) and Length (L) of a rectangle
Calculate the area (A) by multiplying L with W
Print A
Example 3
Algorithm START
Print
A
STOP
Flowcharts
Flowcharts is a graph used to depict or
show a step by step solution using
symbols which represent a task.
The symbols used consist of geometrical
shapes that are connected by flow lines.
It is an alternative to pseudocoding;
whereas a pseudocode description is
verbal, a flowchart is graphical in nature.
Principles of Programming - NI July
15
2005
Flowchart Symbols
Terminal symbol - indicates the beginning and
end points of an algorithm.
Statement 1
Statement 2
Statement 3
No Yes
Condition
else- then-
statement(s) statement(s)
yes Loop
Condition
Statement(s)
no
Calculate
Age = current year – birth date
Display
age
End
Read age
End
sum = 0
current_number = 1
NO
current_number <= 10? print sum
YES
End
sum = sum + current_number
current_number = current_number + 1