1 Understanding Algorithms

• Step-by-step instructions in how to solve a problem/ how to carry out a task • A specific accurate solution to a problem • A detailed design for a solution

• A solution to a problem • Unambiguous • Sequence of steps • It can be used again • It will provide the same result as long as the input is the same Example: Making coffee * Pour 1 liter of coffee (Give clear, unambiguous instructions) * Heat the water and turn off when appropriate (Unclear, ambiguous)

A successful algorithm fulfills these three points. * Accuracy - it leads to the expected outcome * Consistency - it produces the same result each time it is run * Efficiency - it solves problem in shortest possible time using fewest possible computer resources

• Algorithm - a detailed design of a solution to a particular problem • Program - A way of implementing that design

• Written description • Pseudocode • Flowchart • Program code

*Selection * indicates a decision to be made * It produces True/False leading to two possible outcomes

Input/output

• Logical flow of the algorithm • It shows what steps to be taken next

• Start/end • Terminal

• Process • Indicates a process to be carried out

• A diagram of implementation of algorithm • Provides more visual display

• A structed, code-like language that can be used to describe an algorithm • Is relatively straightforward to translate into any high-level programming language • helps to focus on the logic and efficiency of the algorithm (without having to bother about the rules of any particular programming language)

• A container that stores data(value) • The value in a variable is not fixed • Variable can store different values during the course of a program and each time a program is run

A container that holds a value that never changes * Pi value * Number of m in km

• A unique name given to a variable or a constant • Using descriptive names can improve readability

• snake_case • camelCase/CamelCase

• both hold/store a value • both have unique identifier • Value in variable is not fixed while value in constant is

• The value in variable can change as a program is running • Variables let the same program to process different sets of data

A character that represents an action

7 types * Addition (+) * Subtraction (-) * Multiplication (*) * Real division(/) - includes decimal places * Quotient(DIV) - return whole number * Modulus(MOD) - return the remainder * Exponentiation(^) - power of