Introduction Algorithms and Data Structures

Introduction Algorithms and Data Structures - Algorithm means solution, the term of solution in the programming language is solving a problem that must be solved using a computer. What steps are needed to solve the encountered problems. Therefore, the algorithm is the core of a programming, the algorithm must be made successively so that the computer understands and can execute the created programs correctly.

Real example to portray the solution of problems that will be solved, for example, a solution to make instant noodles. The steps to create instant fried noodles are :

1. Boil water to boiled and then enter the noodles for 3 minutes. 
2. Mix seasoning, seasoning oil, soy sauce, and chili powder into the dish. 
3. Drain the noodles, then mix the noodles into the spice mixture on a plate, mix well  
4. Fried noodles ready to be served.  

As humans, we've certainly understand the steps in the making of instant noodles, but the problem in  programming is how  we can make computers understand step by step to produce what any results we want. In order to be able run on a computer, then the steps of preferred solution should use reasonable language for computers which are packaged in the form of a computer program.

Algorithmic language (pseudo­code) is an intermediate language between humans and computers. Pseudo­code is designed to simplify the algorithm by human logic transformed into any programming  language that understood by computers. There are many programming languages that recognized by the computer, for example, Pascal, Java, PHP, C#, C++, and so on.

Programs are  algorithms coupled with data structures. The data structure is a data storage structure required by program on the computer. If humans have a brain to store the data, the  computer also needs a place  to store the required data. This is due to the data storage on a  computer has limited capabilities than the human brain, therefore require an order or structure so that the stored data can be accessed easily.

Learning for programming means learning to make problem­solving strategies or create a solution. While programming language is a tool for learning the programming. In this lab, we will learn to make program using C++ programming language.

See Also : Introduction to C++

Using the previous example about the making of instant fried noodles. We can make the order in the form of good and structured algorithms.

Task 1 : Declarations, is a step to declare a place that used to make the noodles.

• Step 1 : Declare an empty place used as a place to boil the noodles. 
• Step 2 : Declaring a place to put the noodles 
• Step 3 : Sample code in a algorithmic language at this declaration step is as follows:
  Noodle : integer
  Seasoning : integer
  Boil_Water : integer

Task 2  : Initialization, this step  is preparing  that process done  to resolve  the  problem.

• Step 1 : Prepare the amount of noodles, water and spice in a balance. 
• Step 2 : Sample code with algorithmic language is as follows:
  Noodle <- 1
  Boil_Water <- 1
  Seasoning <- 1

Task 3 : The process of problem solving, is the step for problem solving to meet  the goal of an algorithm we made.

• Step 1 : Boil noodles
  Noodle <- ­Noodle + Boil_Water
• Step 2 : Mixing a flavor
  Seasoning <- Seasoning + seasoning oil + soy sauce + chili powder

Task 4 : Finalization, is a clean­up stage or final stage for example : removing  the  allocation of places that no longer needed, or serve the fried noodles.

• Step 1 : Dispose the rest of the cooking water that is not used anymore.
  Boil_Water <- 0 
• Step 2 : Serving the results of fried noodles.
  Output (“ Fried noodles ready to be served”)

Exercise

1. Create an algorithm to register in University 
2. Create an algorithm for adding two numbers 
3. Make an algorithm to determine the number counted as odd or even  
4. Create an algorithm to calculate the area of a circle