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

Flowchart –

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a computer program that depicts the sequence of functions that are performed by it. It is a technique of visualizing all the functions performed by a computer program in a visual manner. A flowchart depicts the logical sequence of the various functions within a program and is independent of any programming language. Flowcharts use various geometric symbols to depict different operations (like I/O, processing, decisions) and interconnects these symbols to depict the logical sequence of the operations.

Pseudo code –

Pseudo codes are structural representations of the operations & functions performed in a program. They do not follow the syntax of any programming language. Pseudo codes are more human readable than machine readable.

Flowchart is a better tool for design since it provides a diagrammatic representation of the logical flow of the functions. It provides better way to understand and analyse the various construct (loops, decision flows, etc.) in a large scale program. In pseudo codes it is sometimes difficult to relate the different parts of the various functions ad their logical flows. It is much easier to identify them with flowcharts as they provide a better visual aid

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