What is pseudocode? How is it useful in algorithms design?
Provide an example.
Pseudocode is an important part of designing an algorithm,
it helps the programmer in planning the solution to the problem as well as the
reader in understanding the approach to the problem. Pseudocode is an
intermediate state between algorithm and program that plays support the
transition of the algorithm into the program.
Pseudocode is a simple, informal way to describe an algorithm using plain language and basic programming structure, without worrying about syntax.
Before writing the pseudocode of any algorithm the following
points must be kept in mind.
- Organize the sequence of tasks and write the pseudocode accordingly.
- At first, establishes the main goal or the aim.
Usefulness of pseudocode in Algorithm Design:
- Helps plan and visualize logic.
- Makes algorithms easy to understand and share.
- Language-independence, focusing on steps, not code.
Example:
INPUT a, b
IF a > b THEN
OUTPUT a
ELSE
OUTPUT b
ENDIF
Define Time complexity and space complexity. How do they
affect algorithms performance.
Time Complexity is the measure of how much time
an algorithm takes to run as the input size grows.
Space Complexity is the measure of how much memory
an algorithm uses as the input size grows.
Effect on
Performance:
- Time complexity affects how fast an algorithm runs.
- High time complexity means slower execution, especially with large inputs.
- Space complexity affects how much memory it consumes.
- High space complexity can cause memory issues or slowdowns.