Planning an algorithm
An algorithm is a set of ordered steps that solves a problem. Before coding, designers write the algorithm as pseudocode (text that looks like a program but is not tied to one language) or draw a flowchart (a diagram of boxes and arrows). Both make logic easy to check and correct.
Pseudocode basics
Pseudocode uses keywords such as INPUT, OUTPUT, assignment with the arrow ←, and structures like IF … THEN … ELSE … ENDIF, FOR … NEXT and WHILE … ENDWHILE.
Example
INPUT Age
IF Age >= 18 THEN
OUTPUT "Adult"
ELSE
OUTPUT "Minor"
ENDIF
Flowchart symbols
A flowchart shows the same logic visually:
- Terminator (rounded box) — start or stop
- Parallelogram — input or output
- Rectangle — a process or calculation
- Diamond — a decision with Yes/No branches
Remember
- Assignment uses
←, comparison uses=. - A decision diamond must have two exit paths.
- Pseudocode has no fixed syntax, so keep it clear and consistent.