CS25C01 Computer Programming C - Pseudocode

Pseudocode

Think of Pseudocode as a bridge between normal human language and a computer program.

• "Pseudo" means fake or imitation, and "code" means computer instructions.
• So, pseudocode is fake code. It looks a bit like a real program, but it uses simple English so anyone can understand the logic easily without worrying about strict computer grammar.

Simple Rules for Writing Pseudocode

1. Keep it simple: Use clear English words like PRINT, INPUT, IF, and ELSE.
2. Use Indentation: Lines that depend on a condition (like choices or loops) must be shifted slightly to the right so it's easy to see what belongs together.

Examples

Example 1: Checking Pass or Fail (Simple Decision)

Let's check if a student passed an exam based on their marks:

IF student's marks >= 40
    PRINT "Pass"
ELSE
    PRINT "Fail"
ENDIF

Example 2: Finding the Greater of Two Numbers

Let's see which of two numbers is bigger:

INPUT num1, num2
IF num1 > num2
    PRINT "Num1 is greater"
ELSE
    PRINT "Num2 is greater"
ENDIF

Example 3: Adding 10 Numbers (Using a Loop)

When you want to repeat a step multiple times:

Set sum := 0
Set counter := 1

WHILE counter <= 10
    INPUT num
    sum := sum + num
    increment counter by 1
ENDWHILE

PRINT "The total sum is", sum

Try it Yourself 👍

Practice writing pseudocode for these simple problems:

1. Check if a given number is Even or Odd.
2. Find whether a person is Eligible to Vote (Age >= 18).