Revision: Algorithm Design & Implementation
1. Introduction to Algorithms
Definition: A finite, step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem.
Role: Forms the logical foundation before coding begins.
Importance: Improves efficiency, reduces errors, and helps
maintainable code.
2. Problem Identification & Requirement Analysis
Problem Scope: Clearly define boundaries of the problem.
User Needs: Understand target users and their expectations.
Inputs/Outputs: Specify required data (input) and expected result
(output).
Tip: Use requirement templates to avoid missing details.
3. Solution Architecture & Modular Design
Decomposition: Break down the problem into smaller tasks.
Modules: Independent units that solve specific parts of the problem.
Cohesion: Each module should do one well-defined job.
Coupling: Minimize dependency between modules.
Tools: Flowcharts, diagrams, design sheets.
4. Algorithm Design Paradigms
Greedy: Make the best choice at each step (e.g., coin change).
Divide and Conquer: Break problem into subproblems, solve,
combine (e.g., Merge Sort).
Dynamic Programming: Store subproblem solutions to avoid
recomputation (e.g., Fibonacci).
Recursion: Function calls itself until a base case is met.
5. Pseudocode Writing & Tracing
Pseudocode: Language-like instructions without syntax rules.
Dry-run: Test logic manually step-by-step.
Tip: Write clear, structured pseudocode with proper indentation.
6. Coding the Algorithm
Implementation: Convert pseudocode to a real language (Python,
Java, etc.).
Syntax Handling: Follow language rules and conventions.
Good Practice: Test small parts before full integration.
7. Documentation & Code Comments
Inline Comments: Explain tricky sections of code.
User Guides: Help end users understand usage.
Versioning: Track changes (Git, GitHub).
8. Testing, Debugging & Optimization
Unit Testing: Check each part separately.
Debugging: Identify and fix logic or syntax errors.
Optimization: Improve speed and reduce memory usage.
9. Real-World Algorithm Examples
Sorting: Bubble Sort, Quick Sort, Merge Sort.
Searching: Linear Search, Binary Search.
Path-Finding: Dijkstra’s Algorithm, A* Algorithm.
10. Project: Design to Implementation
Steps:
1. Define problem
2. Analyze requirements
3. Design architecture
4. Write pseudocode
5. Implement code
6. Test and optimize
7. Document solution
Presentation: Explain logic, demonstrate code, and show test results.
Alright — let’s go deeper into Topic 1 and Topic 2 with detailed explanations and practical
examples.
1. Introduction to Algorithms
Definition
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined steps used to solve a specific problem or
perform a task.
It is like a recipe — each instruction is clear, ordered, and leads to a solution.
Key Characteristics of an Algorithm
1. Finite: Must end after a certain number of steps.
2. Definite: Each step must be clear and unambiguous.
3. Input: Data to start with (can be zero or more).
4. Output: At least one result after execution.
5. Effectiveness: Each step is basic enough to be done in a reasonable
time.
Importance in Computing
Foundation for programming: Without an algorithm, coding
becomes trial and error.
Efficiency: Helps choose the best approach (e.g., fastest search
method).
Reusability: Good algorithms can be adapted to solve similar
problems.
Maintainability: Logical structure makes updates easier.
Example 1 – Finding the Largest Number
Problem: Given a list of 5 numbers, find the largest.
Algorithm Steps:
1. Read the list of numbers.
2. Assume the first number is the largest.
3. Compare the next number with the largest.
4. If the next number is larger, update the largest value.
5. Repeat until all numbers are checked.
6. Display the largest number.
Input: 12, 7, 25, 19, 8
Output: 25
Example 2 – Real Life Analogy
Making Tea Algorithm:
1. Boil water.
2. Place tea leaves in a cup.
3. Pour hot water.
4. Add sugar and milk (optional).
5. Stir and serve.
2. Problem Identification & Requirement Analysis
Before designing an algorithm, you must fully understand the problem you’re trying to solve.
If this step is weak, your algorithm will likely fail.
Steps in Problem Identification
1. Understand the Problem Scope
o Define what is included and excluded.
o Example: If building a student grading system, is it for one
subject or all subjects? Will it include attendance tracking?
2. Identify the User Needs
o Who will use the solution?
o What features do they need?
o Example: Teachers need automated average calculation;
students need a way to view grades.
3. Specify Inputs & Outputs
o Inputs: Data entered into the system.
o Outputs: What the system will produce.
Example – Student Grade Calculator
Problem Scope:
For secondary school teachers.
Calculates average marks for 5 subjects per student.
Outputs grade and remarks.
User Needs:
Teacher enters marks quickly.
Automatic calculation of average and grade.
Print report card.
Inputs: Student name, marks in 5 subjects.
Outputs: Average mark, grade (A–F), remarks ("Excellent", "Pass", "Fail").
Real-World Example – ATM Withdrawal
Problem Scope:
Allow customers to withdraw money safely.
Only valid if balance is enough.
User Needs:
Fast withdrawal.
Security via PIN.
Receipt printing.
Inputs: PIN, withdrawal amount.
Outputs: Cash, updated balance, receipt.
Sure! Let’s give clear, practical examples for Topics 1 and 2.
1. Introduction to Algorithms – Examples
Example 1: Find the Largest Number
Problem: Find the largest number in a list.
Input: [12, 7, 25, 19, 8]
Algorithm Steps:
1. Assume the first number (12) is the largest.
2. Compare 12 with 7 → 12 is larger → keep 12.
3. Compare 12 with 25 → 25 is larger → update largest to 25.
4. Compare 25 with 19 → 25 is larger → keep 25.
5. Compare 25 with 8 → 25 is larger → keep 25.
6. Output the largest number: 25
Example 2: Real-Life Analogy – Making Tea
Algorithm Steps:
1. Boil water.
2. Place tea leaves in a cup.
3. Pour hot water.
4. Add sugar and milk if desired.
5. Stir and serve.
Output: A cup of tea ready to drink.
Example 3: Sum of First N Numbers
Problem: Find the sum of the first 5 numbers.
Input: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Algorithm Steps:
1. Initialize sum = 0
2. Add each number to sum: 0 + 1 = 1 → 1 + 2 = 3 → 3 + 3 = 6 → 6 + 4
= 10 → 10 + 5 = 15
3. Output sum: 15
2. Problem Identification & Requirement Analysis –
Examples
Example 1: Student Grade Calculator
Problem Scope:
Calculate averages and grades for 5 subjects per student.
User Needs:
Teachers need automatic calculation of average, grade, and remarks.
Inputs:
Marks for 5 subjects: [78, 85, 92, 67, 88]
Outputs:
Average = (78+85+92+67+88)/5 = 82
Grade = B
Remarks = “Very Good”
Example 2: ATM Withdrawal
Problem Scope:
Allow withdrawal if balance is sufficient.
User Needs:
Fast cash withdrawal, security via PIN, receipt.
Inputs:
PIN: 1234
Withdrawal amount: 500
Outputs:
Cash: 500
Updated balance
Receipt printed
Algorithm Steps:
1. Enter PIN → verify PIN.
2. Enter withdrawal amount.
3. Check if balance ≥ withdrawal → if yes, dispense cash, update balance,
print receipt → if no, display “Insufficient funds”.
Example 3: Shopping Cart Total
Problem Scope:
Calculate total price of items in an online cart.
User Needs:
Show total, apply discounts, calculate VAT.
Inputs:
Item prices: [50, 30, 20]
Discount: 10%
Outputs:
Subtotal = 50 + 30 + 20 = 100
Discount = 10% of 100 = 10
Total = 100 – 10 = 90
If you want, I can make a table showing Topic → Example → Input → Output so you can
quickly revise all these with one glance.
Do you want me to make that table?
