PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD

Problem-solving is a skill which can be developed by following a well-organized approach. Programming is also a problem solving activity. If you are a good problem solver, you have the potential to become a good programmer. The following step can be followed to solve any kind of problem:

1.    Problem identification  

2.    Specify requirements  

3.    Analyze the problem         

4.    Design algorithm and draw flowchart

5.    Write program                     

6.    Test and Debug the program

7.    Implement the program    

8.    Maintain and update the program

9.    Document the program

(1)  PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

At this stage the problem being solved is observed carefully. Major areas of concern are identified and irrelevant information is filtered out.

(2)  SPECIFY REQUIREMENTS

This stage involves the formation of a requirement document which describes the features the system is expected to provide, the restrictions under which it must operate, and an abstract description of the software which provide a basis for design and implementation.

(3)  ANALYZE THE PROBLEM

At this stage the problem is decomposed into sub-problem. Rather on concentrating that bigger problem as a whole, We try solve each sub-problem separately.

(4)  DESIGN ALGORITHM AND DRAW FLOWCHART

Designing the algorithm requires to develop a finite list of steps to solve a problem. Most computer algorithms perform at least following three steps:

(a)  Get data    (b)  Perform computation    (c)  Display results

After designing the algorithm, the next step is to draw a flowchart. Flowchart, In-fact maps the algorithm to a pictorial representation which helps in understanding the flow of control and data in the algorithm.

(5)  WRITE THE PROGRAM

This step involves the conversion of an algorithm to a program, written in any programming language.

(6)  TEST AND DEBUG THE PROGRAM

This stage requires evaluating the program to verify that it works as desired.

Debugging is the process of finding and removing errors in the program. There can be three types of programming errors:

1.    Syntax errors

2.    Run-time errors 

3.    Logical errors

(7)  IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM

Once the program has been tested thoroughly, it must be installed or put into operation at the site where it will be used. This is known as implementation of the program.

(8)  MAINTAIN AND UPDATE THE PROGRAM

Program maintenance is an ongoing process of upgrading the program to accommodate new hardware or software requirements and introducing minor improvements.

(9)  DOCUMENT THE PROGRAM

Documentation is a detailed description of a program's algorithm, design, coding method, testing and proper usage.