Introduction to Computer Science

C++ Programming
Developing Algorithms &
Flow Charts
Part 1

Introduction
Software is developed with programming
languages
Before programming, it is necessary to:
understand the problem and its elementary
components
determine what functionality each component
must embody
how the components logically fit together to
accomplish the task at hand.
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Programming
Classic Life Cycle

Design an Algorithm
An algorithm is not a solution but a process
to obtain a solution
Divide the problem into subproblems.
Design an algorithm for each subproblem.
Check the correctness of each algorithm
Can test using sample data
Some mathematical analysis might be
required
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Design the Algorithm

Program logic usually follows a basic
pattern:
Obtain the input
Process the data
Store relevant data
Display the output
Try to avoid over-thinking the problem
5

Design the Algorithm

Benefits:
Requires thought to determine the need for and
relevance of an operation.
Formulates the process into a sequence of steps
Allows for the pre-verification of the solution
Defines the basic structure of the code to
accomplish each step of the process
Reduces the time to write and debug coding
Can be done 24/7
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Design the Algorithm

Disadvantages:
Conflicts with the urge to write the code
May be necessary to generate formal
documentation

Design an Algorithm
Two common methods for designing an
algorithm [program logic]
1. Pseudo-code a non standardized
language to define the sequence of steps
to obtain the solution to the problem.
2. Flowcharts a standardized set of
symbols to visually describe the logical
steps required to arrive at the solution to
the problem.
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Design the Algorithm

Pseudo-code
A self defined language
No formal rules
A combination of words and / or symbols
that convey meaning
Self determined level of detail

Design the Algorithm

Pseudo-code
Benefits:
Does not require digital technology
Is [programming] language independent,
including free use of symbols
Disadvantages:
May be difficult for someone else to understand
May not be digitally documentable
May require standardization
Standard logical structures are not evident
Tends to approach actual code
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End of Part 1

11

Introduction to Computer Science

C++ Programming
Developing Algorithms &
Flow Charts
Part 2

Design an Algorithm
Flowcharting
A set of standard symbols used to describe
the variety of operations and interactions of
a logical set of steps.
Text within and accompanying the symbols
define the precise action to be taken.
The direction of flow is indicated by the use
of arrows.
Flowchart Symbols
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Design an Algorithm
Flowcharting
Benefits:
The logic is visual you can see the flow
Standard logical structures are clearly identifiable
Can be drawn free-hand
Governed by standard rules
Disadvantages:
Governed by standard rules
May require software for formal documentation
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Design an Algorithm
A Simple Problem

You want to put new flooring in each of

your bathrooms.
Before starting, you want to establish a
budget and determine the total cost.
Using a catalog, you select the type and
style of flooring.
Determine the total cost for the project.
Determine if your budget can support it.
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Design an Algorithm
Pseudo-code
Algorithm to Calculate Bathroom Flooring Cost
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.
9.

Get the number of bathrooms to be done [number]

Get the [budget]ed amount
Get the [price] per square foot of the flooring material
Set [count] and [total area] to zero
For each bathroom (count < number)
1. Get the [length] and [width] to determine the total square footage [area]
1. area = length x width
2. Add the area to the [total area] of all bathrooms
1. total area = total area + area
3. Add 1 to count
Calculate the total [cost] for the flooring
1. Total cost = total area x material price
Compare the total cost to your budgeted amount
If total cost <= budgeted amount
1. Display OK to proceed with the project message
Otherwise
1. Display over budget, reevaluate the project with different material from 3. above
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Design an Algorithm
Flowchart
Flow Chart to Calculate Bathroom Flooring Cost
Start

Get [number]
of bathrooms
and [budget]
amount

{ Do Loop }
Get material
[price]

Display over
budget
message

[count] = 0
[total area] = 0

Total [cost] =
total area x price

{ While Loop }
count <
number

Total cost
> budget

T
Get [length]
and [width]

[area] = length x width

Add area to total area
Add 1 to count

Display OK
to proceed
message

Stop

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End of Part 2

18

In-Class Lab #1
Design an algorithm to perform the following task:
Obtain a number from the user
Calculate and display the square of the number
Repeat the process until the square of the number is 0
Submit the pseudo-code via the WebStudy In-Class
Lab assignment Lab 01 in the Assignments tab.

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Assignment #1
Design an algorithm to meet the following specifications:
Calculate and display the sales bonus for the entered sales amount.
Prompt the user and get the sales amount.
Calculate and display the bonus amount as follows:
If the dollar value of the sales amount is less than 25000, the bonus is
1% of the sales amount otherwise the bonus is 5% of the sales amount
Display the bonus amount.
Ask the user if another salesmans bonus is to be calculated.
If the response is Y[es] repeat the process for the next salesman; if N[o],
end the program.
Name the file: SalesBonus
Submit a pseudo-code document via the WebStudy Assignment
Assignment #1 in the Assignments tab.
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