flowcharts and pseudocode

What is a flowchart?

A visual representation of a process or algorithm, using standard symbols to depict the steps and their sequence.

What is pseudocode?

A high-level description of an algorithm's logic, using informal language and programming-like constructs, intended for human understanding rather than machine execution.

What is the primary purpose of a flowchart?

To graphically represent the sequence of operations, control flow, and logical steps of a program or process, aiding in design, analysis, and documentation.

What is the primary purpose of pseudocode?

To outline the logic of an algorithm before writing actual code, helping programmers plan and refine their logic without worrying about syntax details of a specific language.

In a flowchart, what symbol represents 'Start' or 'End'?

An oval or rounded rectangle (Terminal symbol).

In a flowchart, what symbol represents a 'Process' or 'Operation'?

A rectangle (Process symbol).

In a flowchart, what symbol represents 'Input' or 'Output' operations?

A parallelogram (I/O symbol).

In a flowchart, what symbol represents a 'Decision' or 'Conditional Statement'?

A diamond (Decision symbol), typically with two exit paths (e.g., True/False, Yes/No).

What do 'Flow Lines' (arrows) indicate in a flowchart?

The direction of the flow of control or data within the algorithm.

Describe a 'Sequence' structure in flowcharts and pseudocode.

Steps are executed one after another in the order they appear, without any branching or repetition.

Describe a 'Selection' structure (e.g., IF-ELSE) in pseudocode.

A block of code is executed only if a certain condition is true. An optional 'ELSE' block is executed if the condition is false.

How is a 'Loop' or 'Repetition' structured in pseudocode?

A block of statements is executed repeatedly as long as a certain condition is true (e.g., WHILE loop, FOR loop, REPEAT-UNTIL loop).

What does the pseudocode statement READ name typically mean?

To get input from the user or a data source and store it in a variable named name.

What does the pseudocode statement SET total = num1 + num2 represent?

An assignment operation where the sum of num1 and num2 is calculated and stored in the variable total.

What is an advantage of using flowcharts for algorithm design?

They provide a clear visual representation, making it easy to understand the logic, identify potential issues, and communicate the algorithm to others, even non-programmers.