Representing an algorithm is the process of documenting its logic in a standardized format before writing the actual code. This helps in planning the program's structure, communicating the logic to others, and debugging potential issues. The two most common methods for representing an algorithm are Pseudocode and Flowcharts.

1. Pseudocode 📝

Pseudocode (a combination of "pseudo" meaning fake, and "code") is an informal, high-level description of an algorithm's logic. It uses the structural conventions of a normal programming language but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading.

·         Advantages: It is easy to write, understand, and modify. It is not dependent on any specific programming language.

·         Common Keywords: READ, WRITE, PRINT, SET, IF-ELSE, FOR, WHILE, START, END.

Examples in Pseudocode

a) Basic: Calculate the Average of Three Numbers

START

  // Get inputs

  READ num1, num2, num3

  // Perform calculation

  SET sum = num1 + num2 + num3

  SET average = sum / 3

  // Display output

  PRINT average

END

b) Moderate: Find the Largest of Three Numbers

START

  READ A, B, C

  // Use nested conditions to find the largest

  IF A > B THEN

    IF A > C THEN

      PRINT A as the largest

    ELSE

      PRINT C as the largest

    ENDIF

  ELSE

    IF B > C THEN

      PRINT B as the largest

    ELSE

      PRINT C as the largest

    ENDIF

  ENDIF

END

c) Advanced: Generate the Fibonacci Series up to 'n' terms

START

  READ n

  SET t1 = 0

  SET t2 = 1

  PRINT "Fibonacci Series:"

  // Loop n times to generate and print the series

  FOR i from 1 to n DO

    PRINT t1

    SET nextTerm = t1 + t2

    SET t1 = t2

    SET t2 = nextTerm

  ENDFOR

END

2. Flowcharts 📊

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm. It uses a set of standard symbols connected by arrows to illustrate the sequence of operations and the flow of control in a program.

·         Advantages: Provides a clear visual representation of the program's logic, making it easy to understand and trace.

Standard Flowchart Symbols

Examples in Flowcharts

a) Basic: Calculate the Average of Three Numbers The flowchart starts with a 'Start' terminal, followed by an input symbol for num1, num2, num3, a process symbol for the calculation, an output symbol to print the result, and finally an 'End' terminal.

b) Moderate: Find the Largest of Three Numbers This flowchart uses diamond-shaped decision symbols to compare the numbers. Each decision symbol has two exit paths (e.g., 'Yes' and 'No'), creating branches in the flow that lead to the correct output.

c) Advanced: Generate the Fibonacci Series up to 'n' terms This flowchart demonstrates a loop. A flow line from the last process in the loop points back to an earlier point, creating a cycle that repeats until a condition (checked with a decision symbol) is met.

Comparison: Pseudocode vs. Flowchart