one or two paragraphs for the following, Discuss the following: What are the cha

Question

• Discuss the following:
  • What are the characteristics of flowcharts and how they express logic?
  • What are the important aspects writing pseudocode?
  • How do these two differ, and what is the same about using each approach to documenting detailed logic?
• Post your answers from the worksheet. There is no need to attach a document, just take the answers from the table and add them to your discussion.
• Come up with a logic problem using simple sequential logic of your own to describe to a peer. You may reuse an existing data dictionary from this class or define your own data elements for your problem. The problem should be similar to the ones shown in the worksheet as your peer will be creating pseudocode of their own to solve it.

Explanation / Answer

1. A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows. This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution to a given problem. Process operations are represented in these boxes, and arrows; rather, they are implied by the sequencing of operations. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields.

2.

Pseudocode is a kind of structured english for describing algorithms. It allows the designer to focus on the logic of the algorithm without being distracted by details of language syntax. At the same time, the pseudocode needs to be complete. It describe the entire logic of the algorithm so that implementation becomes a rote mechanical task of translating line by line into source code. In general the vocabulary used in the pseudocode should be the vocabulary of the problem domain, not of the implementation domain. The pseudocode is a narrative for someone who knows the requirements (problem domain) and is trying to learn how the solution is organized.

It has been proven that three basic constructs for flow of control are sufficient to implement any "proper" algorithm.

3.

Flowcharts and pseudocode provide ways for computer programmers and others working on a project to have an upper-level understanding of both the entire project and any algorithms involved in it. Both flowcharts and pseudocode have benefits in describing the logic of the algorithms and can be used at different points in the programming process. However, either of these methods of planning for a project can save time and ensure everyone is on the same page

    Layout
        The layout of flowcharts for a program provides a graphical structure that allows programmers to follow the logical structure of the code. The graphical nature of the flowchart provides another way to look at the sequence of the program, which can be especially beneficial for nonprogramming members of the team who need to understand how the code will work. The layout of pseudocode follows more closely the structure for the code of the program. Pseudocode uses words as opposed to a pictorial representation to illustrate the logic of the algorithm.
   

Benefits
        Flowcharts are especially beneficial for smaller concepts and problems, while pseudocode is more efficient for larger programming problems. Flowcharts provide an easy method of communication about the logic and offer a good starting point for the project because they are easier to create than pseudocode in the beginning stages. Pseudocode provides a beneficial bridge to the project code because it closely follows the logic that the code will. Pseudocode also helps programmers share ideas without spending too much time creating code, and it provides a structure that is not dependent on any one programming language.
   

Structure
        The structure of pseudocode uses a linear text-based structure to organize the logic of the programming problem. It does not need so much detail as to include variables and function names but should include enough detail so that code can be created to follow the same logic. The structure of flowcharts uses symbols and shapes to create a diagram of only the essential parts of the algorithm or problem. While it is sometime not enough to begin coding from, especially for larger systems, it can provide a broad idea of how the system will function.
   

Depth
        Both pseudocode and flowcharts can be either broad and cover only basic concepts of the algorithm or project, or they can cover more detail, making the jump to creating the codes easier. However, pseudocode has more flexibility with detail; too much detail in a flowchart can cause confusion.

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