(Problem-solving: Program Analysis and Design (Pseudocode - Flowcharting)

1. Introduction

A computer is a useful tool for solving a great variety of problems. To make a computer do anything (i.e. solve a problem), you have to write a computer program. The computer then executes the program, following each step mechanically, to accomplish the end goal. As we discussed previously, the sequence of steps to be performed in order to solve a problem by the computer is known as an algorithm. Programs usually implement algorithms, and others, like an operating system, implement many algorithms. To go from an algorithm to a program is to go from an idea to a concrete thing. Often you have to fill in gaps that the algorithm does not specify but is intuitively understandable to humans. Program analysis and design is the process that an organization uses to develop a program. It is most, often an iterative process involving research, consultation, initial design, testing, and redesign. Thus we can say, the purpose of program analysis and design are to solve the problem.