In this unit, we are exploring the idea of a conceptual model. In order to devel

Question

In this unit, we are exploring the idea of a conceptual model. In order to develop effective and efficient programs, we need to develop a design for the program. The worst thing that a programming could do is to simply sit down and attempt to write a program. Preparation is required. Many of you have have taken a course in writing. You will remember that we are taught techniques such as outlining, or diagramming to build a framework of what we are to write. The basic idea of these techniques is to have a good idea of what you are going to write, the points you will make, the flow of the piece, the conclusions that you must reach BEFORE you pen the first word.

Programming follows a similar process. Before we, as programmers, attempt to write the first line of code, we need to have a pretty good understanding of how the program will be constructed, how it will flow, what processes it will need to perform, and what error checks will be required. We develop this plan, or 'conceptual model' as I like to refer to it, using one of two modeling approaches. In this unit we learned about flowcharts which provide a visual diagrammed approach to describing the operation and flow of a program as well as pseudo code which uses formatted English like statements to describe the operation of the program.

In your discussion response, provide a description of both flowcharts and pseudo code. Discuss the advantages of each and describe any disadvantages that might make you want to use one method over the other.

(minimum word count 75. for the initial post)

Explanation / Answer

Flow chart:

A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system or computer algorithm using different symbols containing information about steps or a sequence of events.

Flowcharts are a methodology used to analyze, improve, document and manage the flow of a program or design an algorithms

A typical computer science flowchart has the following types of symbols to represent different steps:

Advantages:

-the type of task being carried out
-the flow of instructions or steps
-the devices used for input, output, and storage
-the files used in the process

Disadvantages:

- flowchart becomes complex and clumsy in case of long programs

-  If any alteration is required the flowchart may require re-drawing completely

- Flowcharts are quiet costly to produce

Pseudocode:

Pseudocode is a simple way of writing program in English. It is a detailed yet readable description of what a computer program or algorithm must do.It allows designers or lead programmers to put down the design in great detail and gives programmers a detailed step by step breakdown for writing code in a specific programming language.

Advantages:

- it uses a written format which requires no absolute rules for writing

-  similar to the final program code

- takes less time and space

-  it allows nonprogrammers, such as business analysts, to review the steps to confirm the flow

Disadvantages:

- Psedocodes becomes complex to show iteration (loops) and conditional statements

- It does not include the full logic of the proposed code, so it might mislead programmers in case of complex logics.

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