AF - Algorithms & Flowcharting Overview

Algorithms & Flowcharting

Introduction

You are a member of your school’s Robotics team and have been assigned the job of programming a robot to perform a task.  Your instructor has asked each member of the club to create an algorithm and design a flowchart to detail the steps.  What steps would you need to indicate to ensure your algorithm meets the requirements?  What shapes are needed to showcase the steps in a flowchart?  You will discover in this module how programmers use algorithms and flowcharts to aid in the programming process.

Essential Questions

• What should be considered when designing an algorithm?
• How can flowcharts be used to assist with programming productivity?
• What programming languages can be used to solve problems?

Key Terms

• Algorithm – a sequence of steps used to solve a problem.
• Flowchart – a diagram of the sequence of movements or actions.
• Function – a block of code that performs a task when programming in Scratch.
• Procedure – a set of coded instructions that tell a computer how to run a program or calculation.
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE) – a software suite that consolidates basic tools required to write and test software.
• Iteration – the repetition of a process that allows programmers to simplify a program and make it more efficient.
• Method – a set of instructions that provide instructions for a computer to execute.
• Procedural Abstraction – the process of using functions, procedures, and methods to program.
• Selection - a programming concept where a section of code is run only if a condition is met.

 [CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION