C Tutorial : What is Algorithm and How to Develop an Algorithm

Computer programs and most of the softwares are naturally designed for solving a problem or a group of problems. Actually problem solving is not only the part of software technology but also a part of our daily lives. Because human life is full of with problems. Depending on the type of problem, every field has some specific strategies to understand the problems and solve them. There is a big difference between the approach of a physician and the approach of software specialist.

We’ll consider the case from the aspect of a programmer. With this respect, we can tell that solution strategies are formed by 2 stages after the determination of what the problem is.
 This 2 stage is ;

1. Problem solving part

2. Execution part

Problem solving part also has 4 substages mainly known as;

1. Description of the problem

2. Superficially explanation and determination of the solution

3. Development of an algoritm

4. Verification and control of algoritm

At the end of the problem solving part, you will have an algorithm for solution. Execution part is the process to turn the algorithm to executable computer program to do the task for the solution. Execution part has 3 sub-parts;

1. Transformation of the algoritm codes or pseucodes to an executable software code (C code, C++ code, Java Code…etc)

2. Compilation and execution of the code on the computer

3. Documentation and Maintenance of the program

Phases of a computer program

1. Problem definition and true understanding of the problem

2. Preparation of the algorithm

3. Preparation of the program code

4. Development of the program code

5. Execution of the program

6. Evalution of the program for quality and truthness

We can combine all these parts as ANALYSIS, DESIGN, EXECUTİON and COMPILATION.