Chapter 7 Algorithm Design And Problem Solving: Unit 7.9: Writing And Amending Algorithms

Question 1

What are the 8 steps for producing an algorithm?

Answer 1

1. Make sure that the problem is clearly specified - the purpose and tasks to be completed by the algorithm
2. Break the problem down into sub-problems (set up processes, inputs, processing of data, permanent storage of data if required, outputs of results)
3. Decide on how any data is to be obtained and stored, what is going to happen to the data and how any results are going to be displayed.
4. Design the structure of your algorithm using a structure diagram.
5. Decide on how the algorithm is going to be constructed, either using a flowchart or pseudocode.
6. Construct the algorithm, making sure that it is easy to read and understand by someone else. Precision is required when writing algorithms. This involves setting it out clearly and using meaningful names for any data stores.
7. Use several sets of test data to dry run the algorithm and show the results in trace tables, to be able to find any errors
8. If any errors are found, correct them and repeat the process until the algorithm performs as required.