Today in our seminar we started to look at Pseudo Code. This is a simple form of programing code written using English Language, in a form that can easily be converted and translated into programming statements. Pseudo code does not need to be compiled and there is no format or syntax rule. The benefit of pseudo code is that it enables the designer to work on the algorithms without worrying about all the nitty gritty syntactic details of the chosen programming language. This can then be given to a programmer who can take this series of statements and turn them into the programs using the desired language.
This is good from a designers perspective because a framework can quickly and effectively be produced for a programmer to work with, who can implement the necessary languages required. Pseudo Code is helpful at the start of a project as a method of planning the structure required to build the product breaking it down into smaller chunks allows for a more effective workflow.
I think pseudo code could be useful to me and my installation project in a number of ways. Firstly I have only just started learning Java and processing so my knowledge is very limited consequently achieving some of my desired products is going to require some input from peers around me. If my work is first layed out in pseudo code it could easily help people to understand what I’m trying to achieve allowing them to assist me more effectively. Secondly for myself breaking the code down into smaller more deal able chunks could help me deal with problems faster as there is less code to have to adjust and manipulate.
Bad Pseudo Code
If student’s grade is greater than or equal to 60
Print “passed”
else
Print “failed”
Better Pseudo Code
Set total to zero
Set grade counter to one
While grade counter is less than or equal to ten
Input the next grade
Add the grade into the total
Set the class average to the total divided by ten
Print the class average.
Flowcharts
Flowcharts are similar to Pseudo code, written with program flow in mind, cascading from the top of a page to the bottom. Each command or operation is placed in a box of the appropriate shape, and arrows are used to direct program flow. Each shape box or line has a specific purpose similar to an operation or statement
