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Algorithm &
Pseudocode
Representation
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by Manu Prasad
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Meaning and Definition of
Pseudocode,
Topics
Reasons for using pseudocode,
The main constructs of
pseudocode - Sequencing,
selection (if-else structure, case
ALGORITHM AND PSEUDOCODE structure) and repetition (for,
REPRESENTATION while, repeat- until loops),
Sample problems
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DEFINITION
Pseudocode is an informal high-level
description of a computer program or
Meaning and
algorithm.
It uses a mix of natural language and
programming-like syntax to express logic
Definition of clearly and concisely.
Pseudocode PURPOSE
To outline the algorithm’s steps
without the need for specific
programming syntax, making it easier
to understand.
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Developers and data scientists go through multiple
stages, from idea generation to working implementation.
They design/validate algorithms, apply them to problems,
and test them with various datasets.
Brief
In the initial problem-solving stage, avoiding specific
programming language syntax can be beneficial.
Introduction
This allows focus on the algorithm's logic rather than the
correctness of the syntax.
Pseudocode helps in this situation by abstracting away
the syntax concerns.
It is widely used in different fields like app development,
data science, and web development.
Pseudocode describes the steps of an algorithm in an
easy-to-understand way for people with basic
programming knowledge.
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Pseudocode is an effective tool
for designing algorithms.
Its constructs—sequencing,
selection, and repetition—
Pseudocode facilitate clear communication of
logic.
It serves as a bridge between
problem formulation and actual
coding.
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Better readability. Often, programmers work alongside
people from other domains, such as mathematicians,
business partners, managers, and so on. Using
pseudocode to explain the mechanics of the code will
make the communication between the different
Reasons for
backgrounds easier and more efficient.
Ease up code construction. When the programmer goes
Using through the process of developing and generating
pseudocode, the process of converting that into real
Pseudocode code written in any programming language will become
much easier and faster as well.
A good middle point between flowchart and code.
Moving directly from the idea to the flowchart to the
code is not always a smooth ride. That’s where
pseudocode presents a way to make the transition
between the different stages somewhat smoother.
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Act as a start point for documentation.
Documentation is an essential aspect of building a
good project. Often, starting documentation is the most
difficult part. However, pseudocode can represent a
Reasons for
good starting point for what the documentation should
include. Sometimes, programmers include the
Using pseudocode as a docstring at the beginning of the
code file.
Pseudocode Easier bug detection and fixing. Since pseudocode is
written in a human-readable format, it is easier to edit
and discover bugs before actually writing a single line
of code. Editing pseudocode can be done more
efficiently than testing, debugging, and fixing actual
code.
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KEY CONSTRUCTS
Sequencing: The order in
Main which instructions are
Constructs of executed.
Selection: Decision-
Pseudocode making constructs (e.g., if-
else, case).
Repetition: Looping
constructs (e.g., for, while,
repeat-until).
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SEQUENCE
The main
represents linear tasks sequentially
performed one after the other
constructs of WHILE
pseudocode a loop with a condition at its
beginning
The core of pseudocode is the ability to
represent 6 programming constructs (always
written in uppercase): SEQUENCE, CASE,
WHILE, REPEAT-UNTIL, FOR, and IF-THEN-ELSE. REPEAT-UNTIL
These constructs — also called keywords —are
used to describe the control flow of the a loop with a condition at the bottom
algorithm.
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FOR
The main
another way of looping
constructs of
pseudocode IF-THEN-ELSE
a conditional statement changing the
flow of the algorithm
The core of pseudocode is the ability to
represent 6 programming constructs (always
written in uppercase): SEQUENCE, CASE,
WHILE, REPEAT-UNTIL, FOR, and IF-THEN-ELSE. CASE
These constructs — also called keywords —are
used to describe the control flow of the the generalization form of IF-THEN-
algorithm. ELSE.
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The main
constructs of
pseudocode
The core of pseudocode is the ability to
represent 6 programming constructs (always
written in uppercase): SEQUENCE, CASE,
WHILE, REPEAT-UNTIL, FOR, and IF-THEN-ELSE.
These constructs — also called keywords —are
used to describe the control flow of the
algorithm.
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The main
constructs of Invoking classes or
calling functions (using
pseudocode the CALL keyword).
Handling exceptions
Although these 6 constructs are the most often
used ones, you can theoretically use them to (using EXCEPTION,
implement any algorithm. You might find yourself
needing some more based on your specific WHEN keywords).
application. Perhaps the two most needed
commands are:
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The main
constructs of
pseudocode
Although these 6 constructs are the most often
used ones, you can theoretically use them to
implement any algorithm. You might find yourself
needing some more based on your specific
application. Perhaps the two most needed
commands are:
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Always capitalize the initial word (often one of the
main 6 constructs).
Have only one statement per line.
Indent to show hierarchy, improve readability, and show
Rules for nested constructs.
writing
Always end multiline sections using any of the END
keywords (ENDIF, ENDWHILE, etc.).
pseudocode
Keep your statements programming language
independent.
Use the naming domain of the problem, not that of the
implementation. E.g., “Append the last name to the
first name” instead of “name = first+ last.”
Keep it simple, concise, and readable.
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EXAMPLE
Sequencing
Refers to executing statements in
a specific order, one after the
other.
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Selection - EXAMPLE
If-Else
Structure
Allows the program to choose
different paths based on
conditions.
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Selection - EXAMPLE
Case
Structure
A multi-way branch that simplifies
multiple conditional checks.
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EXAMPLE
Repetition -
For Loop
Executes a block of code a
specific number of times
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EXAMPLE
Repetition -
While Loop
Continues to execute a block of
code as long as a condition is
true.
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Given three numbers a, b, and c,
evaluate the expression
d=a+b×c
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Calculate simple interest given
principal amount P, rate of
interest R, and time T
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Given two numbers, determine
which is larger.
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Given three numbers, determine
the smallest.
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Determine the grade based on a
score input by the user
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Determine the grade based on a
score input by the user
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Determine the grade based on a
score input by the user (case)
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Print the numbers from 50 to 1
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Input n numbers and find their
sum using for loops.
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Input n numbers and find their
sum using while loops.
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PSEUDOCODE
Example
Calculate the factorial of a given
number n
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What is pseudocode, and how does it differ from
programming languages?
Why is pseudocode considered a useful tool in algorithm
design?
List and explain three reasons why developers prefer
using pseudocode over actual programming code in the
Sample early stages of algorithm development.
questions
How does pseudocode aid in communication among
team members during the software development
process?
Describe the sequencing construct in pseudocode and
provide an example.
Explain the selection construct using an if-else structure.
Give an example where this structure would be
applicable.
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What is a case structure in pseudocode? Provide an
example scenario where a case structure would be
appropriate.
Compare and contrast the for loop and while loop in
pseudocode. When would you use one over the
Sample other?
Write a pseudocode snippet using a repeat-until
questions loop to calculate the sum of integers until a zero is
entered.
Write a pseudocode to find the factorial of a number
using a loop.
Create a pseudocode algorithm to check if a given
number is prime.
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