Introduction to Problem Solving

 

Chapter 4

INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVLING

 

Problem solving, in the context of developing programs, refers to analyzing a problem with the intention of deriving a solution for the problem

 

Problem Solving Cycle:

The problem-solving cycle is a structured, iterative, 4-step process used to:

1.       identify and  analyze the problem,

2.      Find its solution and Develop algorithm of the solution 

3.      Code the solution in a programming language.

4.      Test and Debut the coded solution.

       And finally implement and maintain it.

 

Problem Solving Using Decomposition

Decomposing is a process of breaking down a big or complex problem into a set of smaller sub-processes to allow us to describe, understand, or execute the problem better. Decomposition involves:

  • ·  Dividing a task into a sequence of subtasks.
  • ·   Identifying elements or parts of a complex system.

 


 

Need for Decomposition

Decomposition is the process of breaking a complex problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems, which is essential in programming because large tasks are often too intricate for a computer to process or a human to organize all at once. By dividing a project into independent modules or functions, developers can reduce the overall cognitive load, making the logic easier to understand, design, and implement. 

 

Designing Algorithm:

Designing an algorithm is the process of creating a step-by-step procedure or a "recipe" to solve a specific computational problem efficiently. A well-designed algorithm must be clear and unambiguous, meaning every instruction has only one interpretation, and it must eventually terminate after a finite number of steps. 

Characteristics of a Good Algorithm

·         Precision- Its steps should be precisely defined

·         Uniqueness- each step should uniquely contribute to the algorithms

·         Finiteness –An algorithms should be finite.

·         Input – An algorithms requires a specific type of input to work upon.

·         Output – An algorithms produces output as per the stated objectives.

Components of an Algorithm

Input: Input is the initial data or information provided to the algorithm before it begins execution.

 

Processing: This component involves the specific operations, calculations, and logic applied to the input data to transform it. It bridges the gap between the initial input and the final result through step-by-step instructions.

 

Output: Output is the final result or information produced by the algorithm after processing is complete.

 

Verifying Algorithm

Verification of an algorithm means to ensure that the algorithm is working as intended.  It can be verified with sample input for which we know the output.

 

Dry Run

A dry run is the process of a programmer manually working through their code to trace the values of variable. If the programmer found that the value is not what it should be, they are able to identify the section of code that resulted in the error.

Characteristics of Dry Run

•      It is carried out during design, implementation testing or maintenance.

•      It is used to identify the logic errors in a code.

•      It cannot find the execution errors in a code.

 

Flowchart:

Flowcharts are graphical representations of data, algorithms, or processes, providing a visual approach to understanding code. They illustrate step-by-step solutions to problems, making them useful for beginner programmers. Flowchart consists of sequentially arranged boxes that depict the process flow.

Symbols Used in Flowchart:

 


Advantages & Disadvantages of Flow Chart

ADVANTAGES

·         It helps in analyzing the problems effectively.

·         It acts as a guide during the program development phase.    

·         It help easy debugging of logical errors

DISADVANTAGES

·         A lengthy flowchart may extend over multiple pages, which reduces readability.

·         Drawing a flowchart is time consuming.

·         The changes made to a single step may cause redrawing the entire flowchart

 

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a simplified, informal representation of a computer program's logic written in plain, natural language (like English). It is not an actual programming language and cannot be executed by a computer; instead, it serves as a "blueprint" or "rough draft" to help programmers plan an algorithm before writing real code.

Example – to input 2 number and display the sum

1.                  START

2.                  INPUT A, B

3.                  TOTAL = A + B

4.                  PRINT TOTAL

5.                  END

Disadvantage of Pseudocode:

·         It is not a visual tool like flowcharts.

·         Since there is no accepted standard for pseudocode, so it varies from programmer to programmer.

·         It can only be tested on paper, there is no program available to test it.

·         It is an information representation of an algorithm.

  • Verification of an algorithm means to ensure that the algorithm is working as intended.  It can be verified with sample input for which we know the output.

 

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