Background Information On Creating Computer Programs

Definitions

1. Algorithms: A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, especially an established, recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps.

2. Pseudocode: A program code unrelated to the hardware of a particular computer and requiring conversion to the code used by the computer before the program can be used.

3. Machine Language: a coding system built into the hardware of a computer, requiring no translation before being run.

4. High Level Computer Language: allows a programmer to write a program in a specific way so that it is independent, considered high level as it is closer to human language than it is to machine language.

5. Flowchart: Also called a flow sheet. A detailed diagram or chart of the operations and equipment through which material passes, as in a manufacturing process.

6. Flowchart symbols used for:

Beginning and ending a set on instructions: Oblong

Decision making: diamond

A process or action: rectangle

7. An algorithm:

Opening and closing a door: Face the door. Turn the door knob 90 degrees to the right and push door and walk through.

Negotiating traffic lights: Red means stop, green means go and orange means slow down.