2.1 Pseudocode and diagrams

Question 1

What is pseudocode?

Answer 1

Pseudocode is an alternative, text-based way of representing the sequence of steps in an algorithm
- Pseudocode can be thought of as a simplified form of programming code

Question 2

What does pseudocode allow us to do?

Answer 2

• It allows us to lay down the logic of a problem in an almost-like-real-code way without worrying about the actual rules and syntax of a particular language

Question 3

What is the terminal symbol?

Answer 3

Represents the start or the end of a process

Question 4

What is the process symbol?

Answer 4

Represents something being initialised, processed, or calculated

Question 5

What is the decision symbol?

Answer 5

• Represents a decision
• It usually has YES or NO and TRUE or FALSE outcomes

Question 6

What is the input/output shape?

Answer 6

• Represents the input and output of data to the algorithm

Question 7

What is the sub routine symbol?

Answer 7

• Represents a call to a sub routine
• A sub routine will have its own flowchart but when you call it from the main program you need to express that call using this symbol