Computer Fundamentals

Problem Solving, Algorithms,

Start Think

Flowcharts & C Programming

Clear?

Output Code

Presented By
Zannatul Fardaush Tripty
Lecturer, Department of CSE
World University of Bangladesh

1
Class roadmap
One connected path from problem to program

1 2 3 4

Problem Algorithm Flowchart C Program

Understand what is Write clear ordered Translate the logic into
Draw the logic visually
given and required steps syntax

Today’s goal
Students will be able to solve a simple numerical problem using input, process, output, algorithm,
flowchart, and basic C structure.

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Problem solving in programming
A computer needs exact input, operations, and output

Before coding, identify the IPO model

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Data we already have Operations to perform Expected result

Examples: two numbers, Examples: add, compare, Examples: sum, largest

marks, daily wage repeat, calculate value, salary, message

Guiding question: What do I have? What should I do with it? What should I produce?

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Steps for solving a problem
A beginner-friendly method for first-year students

1 Read carefully 2 List IPO 3 Try examples

Understand the exact Separate input, process, and Use small values to verify the
question. output. idea.

4 Design logic 5 Test and debug

Write algorithm or draw Check the result and fix
flowchart. mistakes.

Do not start coding until the logic is clear in your own words.

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Algorithm: definition and quality
A finite set of clear steps for solving a particular problem

Algorithm = blueprint for a Example: Add two numbers

program
1. Start
2. Read A and B
● Language independent: can be translated 3. SUM = A + B
into C, Python, Java, etc. 4. Print SUM
● Well-structured: steps have a clear order. 5. Stop
● Detailed enough: a programmer can directly
convert it into code.

A good algorithm must be finite, definite, effective, general, and must clearly define input
and output.

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Three building blocks of algorithms
Sequence, decision, and repetition appear in most programs

SEQUENCE DECISION REPETITION

Steps run in the written order. A condition chooses one path. A step runs again and again.
Example: read A → read B → Example: if marks ≥ 40, pass; Example: add numbers from 1
add. otherwise fail. to 10.

Yes/No
Step 1 Step 2 ?
Path Body Again?

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Top-down algorithm design
Break a large task into smaller parts

Calculate student result

Input marks Calculate total Decide grade

Math English Pass? Grade?

Why it helps
Top-down thinking prevents confusion because each small sub-task is easier to algorithmize, draw, and
code.

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Flowcharts
A graphical representation of an algorithm

A flowchart uses standard symbols Start

and arrows to show how information

is processed.
Input data

Shows logic in a pictorial form. Read the chart

Process
Helps students understand decisions and from top to
loops. bottom or left to
Gives a permanent record of the solution. right.
Makes complicated programs easier to Output result
discuss.

Stop

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Basic flowchart symbols
Shape meaning must be consistent

Start Terminator Input Input/Output SUM=A+B Process

Calculation /
Start / Stop Read / Print
assignment

A>B?
Decision Flow line A
Connector
Condition with Direction of Continue
Yes/No control elsewhere

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Algorithm vs. flowchart
Two ways to represent the same logic

Algorithm Flowchart

• Step-by-step English-like procedure • Diagrammatic representation of an

• Quick to write for small problems algorithm
• Good for explaining exact operations • Uses boxes, symbols, and arrows
• Can become hard to follow for complex • Good for visualizing decisions and loops
logic • Takes more space and time to draw

Best classroom practice: write the algorithm first, then draw the flowchart, then
write code.

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Example 1: Sum of two numbers
Input → process → output

Algorithm Start

1. Start
2. Read A and B Read A, B
3. SUM = A + B
4. Print SUM
5. Stop SUM = A + B

Print SUM

Test Stop
If A = 5 and B = 3, then SUM = 8.

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Example 2: Check if two numbers are equal
Decision logic uses a condition

Algorithm Start

1. Start
2. Read A and B Read A, B
3. If A = B, print “Equal”
4. Otherwise, print “Not equal”
5. Stop Yes No
Print Equal A = B? Print Not Equal

Stop

Important: In C code, equality comparison is written with ==, not =.

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Example 3: Sum of first 10 natural numbers
Repetition / loop example

Start
Idea
Start with SUM = 0 and I = 1. Add I
to SUM. Increase I by 1. Repeat
SUM=0, I=1
while I ≤ 10.

Algorithm Yes No
I ≤ 10?

1. Start
2. SUM = 0, I = 1
3. If I ≤ 10, SUM = SUM + I SUM=SUM+I
I=I+1
4. I = I + 1 and repeat step 3 Print SUM
5. Print SUM
6. Stop
Stop

Expected result: 1 + 2 + ... + 10 = 55

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Example 4: Salary of a daily wager
A practical numerical problem

Problem Start
Read the number of days worked and
the wage per day. Calculate and display
total salary. Read DAYS, RATE

Algorithm Test
SALARY = DAYS × RATE DAYS = 20, RATE =
1. Start 500
2. Read DAYS and RATE SALARY = 10,000
3. SALARY = DAYS × RATE
Print SALARY
4. Print SALARY
5. Stop
Stop

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From logic to C code
The solution stays the same; the representation changes

Algorithm / Flowchart C Program

#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
Read A and B Translate the same logic int A, B, SUM;
into exact C syntax. scanf("%d%d", &A, &B);
SUM = A + B SUM = A + B;
Print SUM printf("%d", SUM);
return 0;
}

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Introduction to C programming language
A powerful language for structured programming

System programming
Mid-level language Structured language
Used in operating systems,
Combines low-level control with Uses functions, statements,
embedded systems, and fast
high-level syntax. conditions, and loops.
software.

Why learn C first?

C helps students understand variables, operators, memory, control flow, functions, and
precise programming logic.

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Brief history and significance of C
Context for why C is still taught

1972 UNIX 1978 1989 1999

Dennis Ritchie
C is used to build Kernighan & Ritchie ANSI standardizes C C99 adds newer
develops C at Bell
UNIX publish their C book as C89 features
Labs

C remains important for systems, embedded devices, compilers, and

performance-critical applications.

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Components of a C program
Functions and statements are the main building blocks

Statements
Functions main()
Instructions that perform
Building blocks of a C program The starting point of execution
actions
Example: main(), printf() Program begins here
Most end with semicolon ;

General form of a C function

return_type Remember
function_name(parameter_list) #include lines are preprocessor
{ directives, so they do not end with a
statement_sequence; semicolon.
}

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First C program: Hello World
Understand each line instead of memorizing blindly

#include <stdio.h> #include <stdio.h>

Brings input/output functions such as printf().
int main()
{ int main()
printf("Hello World"); The program starts executing from main().
return 0;
} printf()
Displays text on the screen. The semicolon ends the
statement.

return 0;
Shows successful program termination.

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Variables and data types in C
A variable is a named memory location that stores a value

Type of value Keyword Example Declaration syntax

Character data char 'A' type variable_name;

Whole number int 25 Examples:

int age;
Decimal number float 3.14 float salary;
char grade;
High-precision decimal double 3.14159265

No value void function return type

Choose a data type according to the kind of value you need to store.

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Structure of a C program
How the main parts fit together

Header files main() function Statements return 0

#include <stdio.h> starting point program logic finish status

Header files contain function declarations and

A compiled C program typically begins from the first
macros. Common examples: stdio.h, stdlib.h,
executable statement inside main().
string.h, math.h.

Semicolon reminder: C uses semicolons to mark the end of most statements.

Preprocessor directives are different.

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Compilation process in C
How source code becomes an executable program

1 Preprocessor 2 Compiler 3 Assembler 4 Linker

Handles #include, Connects libraries
Checks syntax and
#define, and Creates object code and builds
translates C
comments executable

If syntax is wrong,
compilation stops
hello.c hello.o [Link] / [Link]
source code object code executable
before an
executable is
created.

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Class practice and recap
Solve first, then code

Practice 1
Practice 2 Practice 3
Read radius r and calculate area of
Read marks and print Pass if Print the sum of first N natural
a circle.
marks ≥ 40; otherwise print Fail. numbers.
area = 3.1416 × r × r

For each problem, students should write:

Recap
Input, process, and output Problem → IPO → Algorithm →
Algorithm Flowchart → C Code → Output
Flowchart
C program structure or partial code

Thank you! Any questions?

Computer Fundamentals 23