Algorithm, Program and Pseudocode
In this article we will explore the basic differences between algorithm, program and pseudocode . Understanding these differences is essential as it is the most common misconception that algorithm and a pseudocode are one of same kind, but both are different.
So, let's begin by understanding what each of these terms represents and how they relate to one another.
Let us take a look at their definitions first,
What is an Algorithm ?
An algorithm is a step by step procedure or set of rules to solve a specific problem. In short sequence of steps to solve a given problem is called as algorithm.
What is a program ?
It is a specific implementation of an algorithm in a chosen programming language. It is the actual code written and executed to solve a problem.
What is a Pseudocode ?
It is a way to express an algorithm in a more natural language like syntax. It does not have any specific syntax to follow. It is one of the methods which can be used to represent an algorithm for a program.
Purpose of an algorithm
The purpose of an algorithm is to provide a step by step procedure or set of instruction to solve a specific problem
It is used to solve complex problem efficiently and accurately
It provides a clear structured solution to a specific problem or task
Purpose of a program
The purpose of a program is to fulfill a specific objective or goal
The purpose of a program is to provide a solution or benefit to its users whether its a software application, a web application or a mobile app
Programs are created to perform a series or tasks or actions in order to achieve a desired outcome
Purpose of a Pseudocode
The purpose of a Pseudocode is to assist in the planning and development process of writing code
Pseudo code helps in outlining the logic and steps involved in a program, making it easier to understand and debug
Pseudocode act as a bridge between human-readable language and programming language so that it can allow programmers to plan and build the logic of code before actually implementing it.
How to write an algorithm ?
There is no standard way to write an algorithm, but the steps should be easy to understand and the problem should be well defined.
A good algorithm must follow these characteristics.
Has a set of inputs
steps should be easy to understand a
Algorithm should have finite number of steps
Produces desired output
Real life Example of an algorithm
Let us take a real life example where algorithm is used to solve a problem means we have to approach step by step.
Here we are using an algorithm for making tea.
Start by boiling water in a kettle or pot
Put the teabag in a cup
Pour some of the boiled water into the cup
Add milk to the cup
Add sugar to the cup
Stir the tea to ensure it is well mixed
Enjoy the hot beverage
Let us now create an algorithm to check whether a given number is positive , negative or zero
Start
Print "Enter a number"
Read n
If n > 0 then print "The number is positive"
Else if n < 0 then print "The number is negative"
Else "The number is Zero"
Stop
How to write a program ?
First, choose a programming language Some programming languages for beginner include C , C++ , Java , Python...
Once you have selected a language, familiarize yourself with its syntax and rules.
Plan out the logic of your program by breaking it down into smaller steps or points. This will help you organize your code and make it easier to understand and debug.
Test your program thoroughly to identify any errors or bugs, and make any necessary corrections.
Finally, run your program and verify that it produces the desired output.
How to write a Pseudocode ?
Always capitalize the initial word
Make only one statement per line
Use appropriate sentence casings, such as CamelCase for methods, upper case for constants and lower case for variables.
Use standard programming structures such as ‘if-then’, ‘for’, ‘while’, ‘cases’ the way we use it in programming.
Keep your statement programming language independent
Keep it simple concise and readable
How pseudo code serves as a bridge between algorithms and programs
Pseudo code is a valuable tool that acts as a bridge between algorithms and programs.
Pseudocode act as a bridge between human-readable language and programming language so that it can allow programmers to plan and build the logic of code before actually implementing it.
It helps to clarify the algorithmic thinking behind a problem and enables efficient communication between developers.
By using pseudo code, programmers can easily translate complex algorithms into executable code, making it an essential element in the software development process.
Algorithm vs Program vs Pseudocode
An algorithm, a program, and pseudocode are all different way of representing a solution to a given problem.
An algorithm is a step by step procedure or set of rules to solve a specific problem.
A program, on the other hand is a specific implementation of an algorithm in a chosen programming language.
whereas pseudocode is a way to express an algorithm in a more natural language like syntax. It does not have any specific syntax to follow.
Algorithm can be thought of as a blueprint or recipe that guides the computer to solve a particular task.
Program is a concrete implementation of an algorithm
Pseudocode is used to express the logic of an algorithm before translating into actual code
Conclusion
It is important to understand the difference between algorithms, programs and pseudocode, understanding these differences is essential as it is the most common misconception that algorithm and a pseudocode are one of same kind, but they are different.
To conclude, it can be said that
An algorithm is a step by step procedure or set of rules to solve a specific problem.
It is a specific implementation of an algorithm in a chosen programming language. It is the actual code written and executed to solve a problem.
It is a way to express an algorithm in a more natural language like syntax. It does not have any specific syntax to follow.
