FCCCA: Chapter 3 - Algorithm, Pseudocode, and Flowchart

A finite set of well-defined, step-by-step instructions for accomplishing a task

Algorithm

The Persian mathematician whose name is the origin of the words "algorithm" and "algebra"

Mohammed ibn-Musa al-Khwarizmi

A method of describing algorithms using a mixture of natural language and programming language

Pseudo code

The basic model that describes a process as Input, Process, and Output

IPO Model

The three fundamental types of control structures in programming

Sequence, Branching (Selection), Loop (Repetition)

The control structure where statements are executed one after another from top to bottom

Sequence

The control structure that makes a decision and executes different paths based on a condition being TRUE or FALSE

Branching (Selection)

The control structure that allows a statement to be executed repeatedly based on a condition

Loop (Repetition)

A common construct used to represent a branching control structure

IF-THEN

The two main types of loops

Bounded Loops and Unbounded Loops

A loop type where the number of iterations is fixed and known beforehand

Bounded Loop

A loop type where the number of iterations depends on when a condition is satisfied

Unbounded Loop

The three essential parts of a loop structure

Initialization, Test for Limit Condition, Increment

The part where the counter variable is set to its starting value

Initialization

The part that checks if the loop should continue running or stop

Test for Limit Condition

The part that updates the counter variable after each iteration

Increment

A graphical representation of a process or algorithm

Flowchart

The computer scientist who first designed flowcharts in 1945

John Von Neumann

The type of flowchart that details the logical steps and sequence within a program

Program Flowchart

The type of flowchart that portrays the interaction between data, hardware, and personnel

System Flowchart

is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing and selecting alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution.

Problem-solving