12/14/2021

Lecture Outline
SWE1301: Introduction to Problem
Solving and Software Development • Solution Organization Tools
• Problem analysis chart
• Pseudocode
• Algorithm
• Structure of Algorithms
• Flow chart
• UML diagrams
Lecture 03: Solution Planning
Venue : CIT Theatre
Presented by: M. I. Mukhtar

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Function Type of Functions

• Mathematical functions: used in mathematical
• Functions are small sets of instructions that calculations such things as square root, absolute
perform specific tasks and return values. value, or a random

• Functions are used for basic tasks that are used • String functions: used to manipulate string
repeatedly in the problem solving process. variables. For example, joining strings together,
• Each language has a set of functions within it. finding the length of strings.

• The format of a function is : • Conversion functions: used to convert data from

FunctionName (data) one data type to another. For example, converting a
string value to a numeric value.
• The data is listed as part of the function and
are called parameters. • Statistical functions: used to calculate things such
as maximum values and minimum values.
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Function Example Function Example

Function Definition Example Result
Function Definition Example Result
Mathematical/ Statistical Functions
String Functions
abs(n) Returns absolute value of abs(-4) 4 Length(s) Returns the number Length(‘’Maryam’’) 6
(N) of character in a
sqrt(n) Returns square root of (n) sqrt(4) 2 string
Capitalize() Converts the first Capitalize(“maryaM”) Marya
round(N,n1) Returns the rounded value Round(3.7245, 3.72 character of a string m
of N to the n1 place. 2) to upper case and
lower case to all
max(n1,n2,..) Returns the maximum Max(3,2,10) 10 others
number in the list Conversion Functions
Pow(N, n1) Returns the value of N Pow(4, 2) 16
float(n) Converts an integer (n) float(2) 2.0
raise to the power of n1
to real number
ceil(n) Return the largest integer Ceil (3.22) 4
int(n) Converts a real int(3.55) 3
greater than n
number (n) to integer
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Expression & Equation Expression & Equation..

• A knowledge of constants and variables, data types, • An equation stores the resultant of an
and of operators is not very valuable until you can use expression in a memory location in the
these concepts to create expressions and equations. computer through the equal sign (=).

• The expression Length * width would be used

• An expression processes the operands, through the as part of an instruction in the equation:
use of operators. Example:
Length * width
Area = Length * width
• An equation stores the resultant of an expression in a
memory location in the computer through the equal • The resultant of the expression Length * width
sign (=). Example: would then be stored in a memory location
Area = Length * width called Area
SWE1301: Problem Solving and Software
Development - MIM

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Computer Expression Examples

• Sometimes a programmer has to modify an • Convert the following expression into computer
expression into a format supported by form
computer. Examples:

Numeric Expression
Computer Expression

Relational expression X is less than Y + 5

Computer Expression X < (Y + 5)

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Solution Planning Solution Organization Tools

• The efficiency of the computer relies on the
effectiveness of the programmer.
• The computer must be told what to do.
• The solution will be most effective if the
programmer follows certain steps and rules that
have been developed over the years.
• Certain tools will help you learn to give
instructions and solve problems on the computer.
• They include; Problem Analysis Chart (PAC),
pseudocode, Algorithms, flowcharts, structure
chart or interactivity chart, Coupling Diagram,
UML diagrams

• This course will cover the first four.

• There are certain tools that aid programmers in
following those steps and rules. • The remaining e-g will be covered in SWE2301
& SWE2315

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Mapping tools to problem Solving Steps Problem Analysis Chart (PAC)

• The problem analysis chart is an aid to clear
Step 1, 2,3,4: thinking because it helps the problem solver to
• Identify problem. PAC, identify the essential data and information in a
• Understand problem. Pseudocode, problem and to disregard the nonessentials.
Flowchart
• Identify alternatives ways.
• Choose best way. • A problem is analyzed using the PAC by
separating it into four parts:
• The given data
• The required results
Step 5: • The processing required
Algorithm,
• List the instruction Flowchart • The alternatives

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Problem Analysis Chart.. Pseudocode

• Pseudocode is an informal high-level description
of a computer program.

• Example Pseudocode for calculating area of a circle:

• Enter the radius and PI
• Calculate Area
• Display Area

• Pseudocode is similar to the algorithm without

the numbers and somewhat condensed.
• algorithm will be treated in the next few slides

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Algorithms Algorithms…
• Algorithms are sets of instructions for the • Writing incorrect instructions to the computer
computer. will lead to either of the following:
• an error message,
• An Instruction is an order given to a computer • wrong answer,
processor by a computer program. • no answer at all.
• Computer programs are written by a computer
programmer.

• Although a set of instructions must be in a

• The differences between an instruction in one correct order to lead to the correct result, there
computer language or application and another is may be several “correct’’ order.
in the Syntax.
• Syntax refers to the rules governing the computer
operating system, the language, and the application.

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Algorithms…
• Algorithm is defined as an unambiguous and
precise set of steps for solving a problem (or
sub-problem) in a predetermined amount of
time using a finite amount of data.
• Algorithm refers to the sequence of
instructions that must be followed to solve a
problem.
• Algorithms are generally created independent of
underlying languages:
• an algorithm can be implemented in more
than one programming language.
• For each problem or class of problems, there
may be many different algorithms.
12/14/2021 SWE1301-Problem Solving and Software Development- MIM
Algorithms…
• Setting up the algorithms is probably the
hardest part of problem solving on the computer
because;
• The instructions cannot assume anything,
cannot skip steps, must be in the correct
order, must be executable one step at a
time, and must be complete.
• If the instructions are not properly ordered,
the computer will, nevertheless, execute
them in the order given, and the result will
be wrong.
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Properties of Algorithms… Good Algorithms…

• Input: A number of quantities are provided to an • A good algorithm should be:
algorithm initially before the algorithm begins.
• Simple: An algorithm should not have no
• Definiteness: Each step must be clear and Unnecessary steps and no unnecessary
unambiguous. complexity

• Effectiveness: Each step must be carried out in • Complete account for all inputs & cases
finite time.
• Precise: An algorithm should provide only one
• Output: An algorithm must have output. way to interpret the instruction.

• Correctness: Correct set of output values must

be produced from the each set of inputs.
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Structures of Algorithms Flowchart

• From the algorithms the programmer develops
• The sequential structure executes instructions
the flowcharts
one after another in a sequence.
• Flowcharts are graphic representations of the
algorithms.
• The decision structure branches to execute one • flowchart shows the flow of the processing
of two possible sets of instructions. from the beginning to the end of a solution.
• Each block in a flowchart represents one
• The loop structure executes a set of instruction from an algorithm.
instructions many times. • A flowchart will show errors in logic not
readily visible in the other charts.
• There are flowchart symbols for use with
various types of processing.

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Flowchart Symbols Flowchart Symbols

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Flowchart Symbols Algorithm & Flowchart

• The algorithms and the flowcharts are the final
steps in organizing a solution to a problem.

• Using them :
• the programmer can test the solution for bugs
(desk checking).
• the programmer can go on to code the problem
into a computer language for entry into the
computer.
• The programmer is ready to move to step 6 of the
problem solving step.
Step 6: Coding
• Evaluate the solution &
Testing

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Coding Testing
• Coding is the act of writing the solution of the • When a solution is complete, it is important to
problem into a computer solution. test it to make sure no errors in logic or in the
setup of the expressions and equations.
• If the programmer follows the proper steps in • This can be carried out manually before
developing the solution, there should be few coding—Desk Checking
logic errors in the program, and the testing and
coding should go quickly. • To test a solution, the programmer selects test
data, a set of values for the input data, and
• Most syntax errors can be from works them through every step in the solution.
misunderstanding of the original problem.
• It is important to select test data carefully, so
the correctness of the results can be checked
with as much accuracy as possible.
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Lecture Summary
• The efficiency of the computer relies on the
effectiveness of the programmer or the user.

• The programmer must write solutions that are

clear, organized, and correct.

• Certain organizational tools help programmers

Questions??
to learn how to solve problems on the computer.

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