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.
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