UNIT 1 – Fundamentals of Software short

Program

A sequence of instructions written in a computer language to solve a problem

Goal of Programming

Solve problems quickly and accurately using computers

Law of Equifinality

Same result can be achieved through different methods (solution strategies)

Optimum Solution

Best strategy uses least time and resources

Task Analysis

Breaking down a problem to understand what needs to be done

Algorithm

A finite

Pseudocode

Structured English-like statements to describe an algorithm

Pseudocode Advantages

More precise than natural language

Pseudocode Note

Not executable; used for planning before coding

Flowchart Definition

Graphical representation of an algorithm using standard symbols

Program Flowchart

Shows logic of a single program

System Flowchart

Shows how related programs interact

Flowchart Benefits

Easier error detection

Flowchart Rule 1

Use standard symbols only

Flowchart Rule 2

Flow from top to bottom and left to right

Flowchart Rule 3

One entry/exit per symbol (except decisions)

Flowchart Rule 4

Operations independent of programming language

Flowchart Rule 5

Label decision branches clearly

Control Structures

Sequence

Sequence Control

Instructions executed one after another

Selection Control

Decision making (if

Repetition Control

Loops for repeating actions (for

Problem-Solving Phase

Analysis

Analysis & Specification

Understand and define the problem

General Solution (Algorithm)

Determine required data and logical steps

Verification

Test algorithm logically to confirm it solves the problem

Implementation Phase

Coding

Coding

Translate algorithm into programming language

Testing/Debugging

Run program

Maintenance Phase

Use and Update the program

Use Phase

Deploy the program for intended purpose

Update Phase

Modify program to meet new requirements or fix errors

Key Advice

Think first

Algorithm Example

Print "Good Morning" (Start → Print → End)

Cooking Rice Algorithm

Illustrates sequence

Pseudocode Example

Area of circle (Ask radius

Terminal Symbol

Shows start/end of flowchart (oval shape)

Input/Output Symbol

Shows input/output operations (parallelogram)

Processing Symbol

Shows calculations or actions (rectangle)

Decision Symbol

Shows yes/no conditions with two paths (diamond)

Flow Line

Connects symbols to show direction of flow (arrow)

Sequential Control Structure

Default control where statements run in order

Selection Control Structure

Makes decisions based on conditions (if/else)

Repetition Control Structure

Repeats code while condition is true (loops)

Waterfall Model

Sequential phases: Analysis → Design → Code → Test → Maintain

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors in code

Algorithm Must Be Finite

Ends after limited steps

Algorithm Must Be Ordered

Steps follow clear sequence

Equifinality Principle

Multiple paths to same solution

Optimum Way

Most efficient solution with least resources