What is Pseudocode? An Introduction.

Summary

This video script introduces the concept of pseudo code as a planning tool for programmers. It clarifies that pseudo code is not a new programming language but a way to define program logic before coding begins, similar to flowcharts. The script emphasizes the importance of planning for easier application development and the role of pseudo code in verifying the correctness of algorithms. It also discusses the utility of pseudo code for non-coders to understand and validate the steps needed to solve a problem. The video mentions that any text editor can be used to write pseudo code, including Visual Studio Code, for its readability and ease of use.

Takeaways

• 📝 Pseudo code is a method to define program actions before writing the actual code.
• 🤔 It helps in planning and makes application creation easier by ensuring the logic is correct before coding.
• 📈 Pseudo code and flowcharts serve the same purpose of creating a design before coding.
• 🔍 An algorithm is a series of steps to solve a problem, which pseudo code helps to outline.
• 🌐 Pseudo code can be written in any natural language, not just English, depending on the user's preference.
• 🎨 Flowcharts are preferred for smaller programs or by those who are visually inclined.
• 📄 Pseudo code is written in a natural language to be easily understood and verified by non-coders.
• 💻 No special software is needed to write pseudo code; it can be done on paper or in text editors.
• 🖥️ The speaker uses Visual Studio Code for writing pseudo code due to its readability and ease of use.
• 🔑 The goal of pseudo code is to communicate the steps of an algorithm in a way that can be approved by others.
• 🚀 The next step is to start writing pseudo code for a simple application in the following video.

Q & A

What is pseudo code?

Pseudo code is a way to define what we want to do in a program before we actually write the program. It's not a new type of language but a method to plan and outline the steps needed to solve a problem in a natural language, making it easy to read and understand for both coders and non-coders.

Why is it important to create pseudo code before writing a program?

Creating pseudo code is important because it helps in planning the application more effectively. It allows you to check if the logic and algorithm are correct before you start coding, making the development process smoother and more efficient.

How does pseudo code relate to flowcharts?

Pseudo code and flowcharts serve the same purpose: to create a design or plan before coding. Both are used to outline the steps to solve a problem, but while flowcharts are more visual, pseudo code uses natural language to describe the steps.

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a series of steps that need to be performed to solve a problem. In the context of coding or computer science, it refers to the logical sequence of operations to be executed by a computer to achieve a specific task.

Why might someone prefer using pseudo code over flowcharts?

Some might prefer pseudo code over flowcharts if they are working on a smaller program or if they are more inclined towards a textual representation of the steps. Pseudo code can also be easier for non-visual learners or those who find natural language more accessible.

In which language should pseudo code be written?

Pseudo code should be written in a natural language that is easy for the intended audience to read and understand. English is commonly used, but if the audience speaks another language, that language should be used instead.

Can pseudo code be written without any special software?

Yes, pseudo code does not require any special software to be written. It can be written on paper or using basic text editors like Notepad or Google Docs. The choice of tool depends on what is most convenient for the user.

What is the purpose of showing pseudo code to non-coders?

The purpose of showing pseudo code to non-coders is to allow them to verify the steps of the algorithm or the solution to a problem. Even if they do not understand how to code, they can read through the steps and confirm if the logic is correct.

What tool is mentioned in the script for writing pseudo code?

The script mentions using Visual Studio Code as a tool for writing pseudo code, due to its readability with a black background and white text, and its large font size which is good for video demonstrations.

How does the script suggest using pseudo code in the development of an application?

The script suggests using pseudo code as a planning step in the development of an application. It should be used to outline the steps to solve a problem in a natural language before starting the actual coding process.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Introduction to Pseudo Code

This paragraph introduces the concept of pseudo code as a planning tool in programming. It clarifies that pseudo code is not a new programming language but a method to define program actions before coding begins. The speaker emphasizes the importance of planning to simplify the application development process. Pseudo code is likened to a flowchart in serving as a design blueprint, helping to verify the logic of an algorithm, which is a series of steps to solve a problem. The paragraph also touches on the utility of pseudo code for non-coders to understand and approve the steps of a solution.

Keywords

💡Pseudo Code

Pseudo code is an informal high-level description of an algorithm or a program that does not follow the strict syntax of a programming language but is close to natural language. In the video, it is presented as a tool for planning the steps of a program before actual coding, making it easier to understand and verify the logic of the intended solution.

💡Flowchart

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm or process through a series of symbols and lines showing the sequence of operations. The video mentions flowcharts as an alternative to pseudo code, serving the same purpose of designing a program's logic before coding, but with a visual representation.

💡Algorithm

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations or problem-solving. In the context of the video, an algorithm is a series of steps needed to solve a computer-related problem, which is the core of what pseudo code aims to outline and organize.

💡Design

In the video, design refers to the process of planning and outlining the structure of a program or application before writing the actual code. This is crucial for ensuring that the logic is sound and that the program will function as intended.

💡Natural Language

Natural language in the context of the video is the use of everyday spoken or written language, such as English, to describe the steps of a program in pseudo code. This allows non-coders to understand and verify the steps needed to solve a problem.

💡Software

The term 'software' in the video refers to the applications or tools used to write or edit code, such as Microsoft Word, Notepad, or more specialized text editors like Visual Studio Code, which the speaker uses for writing pseudo code.

💡Verification

Verification in the video script is the process of checking the logic or steps outlined in the pseudo code to ensure they are correct and will solve the intended problem. It is a critical step before proceeding with actual coding.

💡Coding

Coding is the act of writing instructions in a programming language to create a software program. The video emphasizes the importance of planning with pseudo code before starting the coding process to avoid errors and ensure a clear direction.

💡Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is the main theme of the video, where pseudo code and algorithms are used to define the steps needed to address and solve a specific issue, particularly in the context of programming.

💡Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a popular code editor used for developing and debugging software applications. In the video, it is mentioned as the tool the speaker prefers for writing pseudo code due to its readability and ease of use.

Highlights

Pseudo code is a method for defining program actions before coding.

Pseudo code is not a new programming language.

Planning with pseudo code makes application creation easier.

Pseudo code and flowcharts serve the same purpose of designing before coding.

Flowcharts are suitable for smaller programs or visually inclined individuals.

Pseudo code uses natural language, typically English, for clarity.

An algorithm is a series of steps to solve a problem, not limited to computer problems.

Pseudo code is used to verify the logic of an algorithm with non-coders.

No special software is needed to write pseudo code.

Pseudo code can be written on paper or using modern text editors.

Visual Studio Code is a recommended tool for writing pseudo code due to its readability.

The choice of tool for writing pseudo code should be based on what is easiest for the user.

Pseudo code serves as a plan to write code in a natural language for non-coders to understand.

The goal of pseudo code is to have others verify the steps to solve a problem.

Pseudo code is a collaborative tool to ensure the correctness of an algorithm.

The next video will demonstrate writing pseudo code for a simple application.

Transcripts

hello there everybody this is a short

series on how to create pseudo code now

you might be asking what is pseudo code

is this a new type of language the

answer is no pseudo code is a way for us

to Define what we want to do in a

program before we actually write the

program now you might ask well why would

we do that well the better you plan the

easier it is to create your application

and so we want to do this Pro process of

create a design figure out what we need

to do before we actually start trying to

do it now if this sounds a lot like a

flowchart you're actually correct

flowcharts and pseudo code both serve

the same purpose that is to create that

design before we start coding to let us

check to see hey is our logic correct in

our algorithm now what's an algorithm if

you remember correctly it's just a

series of steps we need to perform

in order to solve a problem it doesn't

even have to be a computer problem

technically but in our case what we're

going to look at is going to be solving

coding or computer types of problems now

you might think well why are there two

different ways of doing this flowcharts

and pseudo code well flowcharts are very

good if you have a smaller program or if

you're highly visually inclined you like

to be able to visually see

step by step by step pseudo code is

going to much more of what we call a

natural language in our case English if

you were doing in any other country that

has a different language then you would

use that language there's nothing

special about it in English it's just a

matter of is it easy for you and other

people to read understand and verify the

goal being that you take this to a

person and you say hey is this what

needs to happen they may not understand

how to code it but they can read through

the steps and go yes and they can sign

off on it and so that's what pseudo code

is it's just a plan for how we're going

to write our code in a natural language

that way we can show it to non-coders

and have them verify their algorithm or

the steps to solve our problem is

correct now one things I want to let you

know is you do not need any type of

software actually to write stud code

when I started doing this years and

years ago we wrote it out on paper and

that's all you technically need of

course in today's technological World

it'd be silly to do that so you might

write it in something like Microsoft

Word or you might write in something

simple like notepad or another text

editor I'm going to be using a tool

called Visual Studio code which I

actually use for writing my code but I'm

going to write my pseudo code in it as

well for a couple reasons number one

it's very easy to read it has a black

background with white text that's a

little bit easier especially with a

larger font size so it shows up better

on these videos and is easier to look at

if I'm staring at screen for a large

amount of time do you have to use that

no absolutely not use whatever you find

to be easiest and you might be working

at a computer lab where they don't have

that and but they have notepad then use

notepad or maybe you can log into the

internet and go into your Google Docs

that's fine too the goal is to write a

natural language to solve the problem

find a tool let you do that and then

we'll get started check out the next

video and how we're going to start our

very first simple application and write

in studo

code