Pseudocode and Flowcharts

Lab Overview

• Focus includes pseudocode, flow charts, libraries and namespaces, data types, variables, declaration, mathematical operations, input (user), and if conditions

Pseudocode

• Pseudocode is an informal way to describe computer code using generic, English-like terms
• An example exercise involves writing pseudocode to calculate the area and perimeter of a rectangle

Flow Charts

• Flow charts are graphical representations used to visually illustrate algorithms and translate them into software
• Flowcharts use easy-to-understand symbols to represent actions on data and the flow of data
• Flowcharts can aid in breaking down a problem into simple steps
• Flowchart creation should follow general rules, including having one Start and one Stop symbol
• Arrow heads indicate the flow of information or sequence of steps
• All boxes in a flowchart must include a description of the process
• The Decision symbol has two exit points
• Flowcharts read from top to bottom

Libraries and Namespaces:

• Certain C++ features, such as input/output operations (cout, cin), are part of libraries that are not built into the language itself
• #include <iostream> tells the compiler to include the Input/Output Stream library, which handles input and output
• using namespace std; helps organize code, prevent naming conflicts, and contains the standard library
• using namespace std; avoids needing to write std::cout or std::cin

Data Types

• Data types specify the kind of data a variable can hold
• Each data type uses different amounts of memory with a specific range of values
• Common data types include:
  • int: Used for whole numbers (e.g., 5, -100)
  • double: Used for decimal numbers with higher precision (e.g., 3.14, -0.001)
  • char: Used for individual characters (e.g., 'A', 'b')
  • bool: Used for true/false values (e.g., true, false)

Variables and Declaration

• A variable is a container that stores data in a program and has a specific data type (e.g., int, double)
• Variables allow storage, updating, and utilization of data throughout a program
• To use a variable in C++, you need to declare it by specifying the data type and a name, and initialize it by giving it a value

Mathematical Operations

• Involves performing arithmetic calculations

Input (User)

• Input refers to receiving data from the user.
• User input can be obtained in C++ using the cin object from the Input/Output Stream library ()
• To get input from the user:
  • Use the cin object followed by the extraction operator (>>) to read data
  • Store the input into a variable of the appropriate data type

If Condition

• The C++ "if" statement is a simple decision-making tool used to decide whether a certain statement or block of statements is executed based on a condition

Exercises

• Write a C++ program to calculate and print the sum of three numbers
  • Include pseudocode and a flowchart for the program logic
• Write a C++ program to take three numbers as input and display the maximum and minimum
  • Include pseudocode and a flowchart for the program logic
• Write a C++ program to take three numbers as input and calculate their average
  • Include pseudocode and a flowchart for the program logic
• Identify the correct preprocessor directive
• Determine which preprocessor directive works with all C++ compilers
• Show the output of given code snippets
• Show the output of given code snippets

Questions

• CPU as the brain of a computer - True or False
• Computers understand machine code language which consist of sets of zeros only - True or False
• RAM, cache and registers are considered - Non volatile, Volatile, Both, or None of the mentioned
• Which of the following is the program that manages and controls the computer's activities - Users, Application programs, Hardware, or Operating system
• What does ALU stand for? - Application Layer Unit, Advanced Learning Utility, Analytical Language Unit, or Arithmetic Logic Unit
• What does CPU stand for? - Central Power Unit, Control and Processing Unit, Computer Program Unit, or Central Processing Unit
• Which of the following components are typically found in the CPU? - Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Data is encoded as a series of bits, zeros and ones? - True or False
• ROM is Volatile memory? - True or False
• Which of the following is an example of hardware? - Operating System, Word Processing Software, Central Processing Unit (CPU), or Web Browser
• What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer? - Providing storage for data, Displaying graphics on the screen, Managing external devices, or Executes programs from memory
• How is the speed of a CPU typically measured? - kilobytes (KB), gigabytes (GB), megahertz (MHz), or terabytes (TB)
• What are the primary components of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)? - Monitor/keyboard/mouse, Arithmetic logic unit/registers/control unit, Hard drive/RAM/motherboard, or Graphics card/power supply
• What is one advantage of copying a program to RAM during execution? - Lower access time, Increased storage capacity, Lower cost, or Improved durability
• What are computer programs? - Hardware components, Physical devices, Instructions to the computer, or Data storage units
• Which of the following computer languages is written in binary codes only? - Pascal, machine language, C, or C#
• Which of the following devices provides the communication between a computer and the outer world? - Compact, I/O, Drivers, or Storage
• ALU is the place where the actual executions of instructions take place during the processing operation - True or False
• What is the key difference between data and information? - Data is meaningful, while information is raw; Data is structured, whereas information is unstructured; Data is raw facts, whereas information is processed; or Both are the same
• Which of the following is an example of information rather than data? - List of random numbers, a report showing average sales, a table of unorganized survey responses, or a collection of sensor readings without context
• Which of the following best defines the difference between hardware and software? - Hardware consists of physical components/software consists of instructions and programs; Hardware includes input devices only/software includes output devices; Hardware can be upgraded/software cannot; or Hardware is permanent/software never changes
• Which of the following is NOT considered hardware? - CPU, Operating System, RAM, or Hard Disk
• What is the role of cache memory in a computer system? - Permanent data storage, increase the processing speed, store the BIOS firmware, or provide external storage for user files
• Which of the following is an example of an input device? - Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, or Speaker
• What is the primary purpose of a supercomputer? - Running web applications, scientific calculations, Personal computing, or Online gaming
• Which type of computer is used in embedded systems like smart appliances? - Mainframe, industrial computer, supercomputer, or workstation
• Which computer type is best suited for server hosting? - PC, Laptop, Server, or Tablet
• What is the primary function of the Address Bus in a computer system? - Transfer data, specify memory locations for data access, control the execution of instructions, or provide power to the processor
• What is the main difference between the Address Bus and the Data Bus? - The Address Bus carries data, while the Data Bus carries addresses; The Address Bus is bi-directional, while the Data Bus is unidirectional; The Address Bus is used to locate memory addresses, while the Data Bus transfers actual data; or The Address Bus is a hardware component, while the Data Bus is software
• Which of the following is the smallest type of computer, designed for individual use? - Supercomputer, Mainframe Computer, Personal Computer (PC), or Server
• Which type of computer is primarily used for complex scientific calculations? - Embedded Computer, Supercomputer, Workstation, or Mainframe Computers
• Which type of computer is typically used to host websites, applications, and databases for multiple users? -Mainframe, Supercomputer, Server, or Embedded Computer
• Which bus is responsible for transferring data between the CPU and memory? - Control Bus, Data Bus, Address Bus, or Power Bus
• Which of the following is the fastest type of memory? - RAM, SSD, Cache, or Hard Disk
• What does the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU do? - Executes arithmetic and logical operations, controls the execution of instructions by directing data flow, stores frequently accessed data, or provides power to the CPU