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Learning Outcomes

Types of problem.

Recognize 6 steps in problem solving.

Recognize 7 steps in program development process.

Pseudocode and Algorithm

Difficulties with problem solving with computer

Types of problem

Algorithmic solutions

Can be solved with a series of actions (algorithms)

Heuristic solutions (rule of thumb)

Based on knowledge & experience

Requires a process of trial and error

Types of problem (cont)

6-steps can be used for both problems

But step 6 (for heuristic solutions)

Correctness and appropriateness far less certain

May need to iterate (repeat) many times
Same solution may not work all the time

Log on to an e-mail account

Withdraw cash from ATM machine

Add Salt to food (during cooking)

Buying the best stock

Problem solving with computers

Computers built for dealing with algorithmic solutions

Write instruction step by step

Heuristic solutions requires (Artificial) intelligence

The program can make decision like human when for
each situation base on previous solution

Need to transform into algorithmic format

Most problems require a combination of the two kinds

of solutions

Driving a vehicle

Fix a malfunction computer

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Problem Solving in Everyday Life

Problem-solving process (6 steps)

Problem Solving in Everyday Life

Example : You are doing assignment at home, and you

Identify the problem

What to do?

Understand the problem

Knowledge base required

Identify alternatives

Other acceptable methods

are hungry

Identify problem : you are hungry

Understand the problem : you need food

Identify Alternatives :

Select the best way to solve the problem

List the instructions

All steps required

Evaluate the solution

Check to see if result is correct

Problem Solving in Everyday Life

Example (continued)

Select the best way

Problem Solving in Everyday Life

Example (continued)

List out the instruction

Method 1 : you arent kid anymore

Method 2 : might be a good idea
Method 3 : you might not have time since you are
doing assignment.
Method 4 : might be expensive
Method 5 : you might not have time since you are
doing assignment.

Programming can be defined as the development of a

solution to an identified problem, and the setting up

of a related series of instructions that will produce
the desired results

Define the Problem

To help with initial analysis, the problem should be
divided into three separate components:
the inputs
the outputs
the processing steps to produce the required outputs

Go out from the room

Go to kitchen
Search the table, cabinet, refrigerator for food
Consume the food

evaluate the solution

After some consideration, let say you choose method 2

7 Steps of Program Development Process

1.) look for mum

2.) go to kitchen and look for some food
3.) go to kitchen and prepare food yourself
4.) make a food delivery order
5.) go out to have a meal in restaurant / hawker center

Is the solution help to solve the problem?

Is the solution solve the problem efficiently?
Should we follow the same solution next time?

7 Steps of Program Development Process

1.

Define the problem

2. Outline the solution

3. Develop an algorithm (based on the outline)
4. Test the algorithm (for correctness)
5. Code the algorithm (into a specific programming language)
6. Run the program (on the computer)
7. Document & Maintain the program

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1 Define the Problem

To help with initial analysis, the problem should be

divided into three separate components:

the inputs
the outputs
the processing steps to produce the required outputs

Use IPO chart (Input Process Output chart)

1 Define the Problem

Example:

Shop A is offering a 20% discount for all products.
Calculate the payment for the customers.

Input

Output

Process

2 Outline the Solution

This initial outline is usually a rough draft of the

solution and may include:

The major processing steps involved
The major subtasks (if any)
The user interface (if any)
The major control structures (e.g. repetition loops)

Discount rate, original price of the products

payment
Calculate payment

2 Outline the Solution

Example (step by step to solve the problem) :

Get the price of product purchase by the customer

Get the discount rate

Calculate the discount amount

Calculate the payment after discount

Display the payment amount to the customer

The major variables and record structures

The mainline logic

3 Develop the Outline into an Algorithm

The solution outline developed in Step 2 is expanded

into an algorithm: a set of precise steps that describe

exactly the tasks to be performed and the order in
which they are to be carried out

Develop flow chart and pseudocode from IPO chart

4 Test the Algorithm for Correctness

This step is one of the most important in the development

of a program, and yet it is the step most often forgotten

The main purpose of desk checking (test the algorithm) is

to identify major logic errors early, so that they may be

easily corrected

Early error identification is better because will save time

and cost

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5 Code the Algorithm into a Specific

Programming Language

Only after all design considerations have been met

should you actually start to code the program into your

chosen programming language (e.g c++, c , Java)

7 Document and Maintain the Program

Program documentation should not be listed as the

last step in the program development process, as it is

really an ongoing task from the initial definition of the
problem to the final test result

Documentation involves both external documentation

and internal documentation that may have been coded

in the program

What Is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is like a recipe: it lists the steps involved

in accomplishing a task

It can be defined in programming terms as a set of

detailed, unambiguous and ordered instructions

developed to describe the process necessary to
produce the desired output from a given input

6 Run the Program on the Computer

This step uses a program compiler and programmer-

designed test data to machine test the code for

syntax errors and logic errors

Algorithms and Pseudocode

A program must be systematically and properly

designed before coding begins

This design process results in the construction of an

algorithm

Types of algorithm

From algorithm, we also can have:

Pseudocode (more English-like)

Flowcharts

Nassi-Schneiderman diagrams
As all above are all popular ways of representing
algorithms

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Difficulties with problem solving

Why difficult to solve problem

Most people do not complete adequately the problemsolving process

Problem-solving process requires time and practice

Problem with writing the instruction

E.g. List 5 numbers and pick the largest one.

(Can you explain/list all the steps required?)
Computer (a tool) can perform only task that user can explain
step by step
All steps must be in proper order

Summary

The steps in program development were introduced

and briefly described below:

1. Define the problem
2. Outline the solution

3. Develop the outline into an algorithm

4. Test the algorithm for correctness
5. Code the algorithm into a specific programming

language
6. Run the program on the computer
7. Document and maintain the program