
Developing
an
algorithm
3.1 Defining the problem
In Chapter 1 it was established that there are seven steps in the
development of a computer program. The very first step, and one of
the most important, is the defining of the problem. This involves the
careful reading and re-reading of the problem until the programmer
understands completely what is required. Quite often, additional
information will need to be sought to fill out ambiguities or
deficiencies in the problem specification. As an aid in this initial
analysis, the problem should be divided into three separate
components:
1 Input, or source data provided to the problem;
2 Output, o