Introduction
Hello everyone! My name is Love Babbar and I would like to welcome you all to CodeHelp. Today, we will
be starting our DSA course and in this lecture, we will be discussing flow charts, pseudocode, and progra
mming languages. We will also talk about the importance of using them. If you already have knowledge a
bout these topics, feel free to skip ahead.
Getting Started with DSA
If you are new to programming, grab a pen and paper and let’s dive in! The intent of this course is to prep
are you to easily solve any DSA question that comes up in online tests or interviews. You should be able t
o provide optimal solutions to these problems.
Problem:
Given a set of values, how do we approach the problem and write code to solve it?
Solution:
Analyze the problem: Before writing any code, it’s important to understand the problem and break it down
into smaller, manageable parts. This involves identifying the inputs and expected outputs, as well as any
constraints or requirements.
Choose an appropriate algorithm: Once we have a clear understanding of the problem, we can choose an
algorithm that fits our requirements. This may involve researching different algorithms and their time and
space complexities.
Write pseudocode: Before writing actual code, it’s useful to write out the steps we need to take in plain En
glish. This helps us to organize our thoughts and ensure that we are on the right track before we start codi
ng.
Write code: Finally, we can write the actual code to solve the problem. This may involve debugging and te
sting to ensure that the code works as expected.
Example code:
def example_function(input): # Step 1: Analyze the problem # Identify inputs and expected outputs #
Consider any constraints or requirements # Step 2: Choose an appropriate algorithm # Research d
ifferent algorithms and their complexities # Step 3: Write pseudocode # Break problem down into s
maller steps # Organize thoughts and ensure on right track # Step 4: Write code # Solve problem
using chosen algorithm # Debug and test code return output
Here’s a problem and its solution:
First, we’ll come up with a rough solution using pseudocode or a flowchart.
Then, we’ll write the actual code for it using a high-level language.
However, computers only understand 0s and 1s, so we need to convert our code into a machine-readable
format.
Once we do that, our program becomes executable.
For example, if we wrote a program to add a+b and want to print the answer, we need to make sure it’s in
a format the computer can understand.
To make the computer understand the given problem, we need to convert it into machine understandable
language. The process involves:
Formulating the first question
Providing the necessary values
Deciding on the approach
Coding the solution
Once we have written the code, we need to ensure that it is in a format that the computer can understand.
Understanding Source Code and Flow Charts
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