What is Pseudocode?
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Pseudo?
Prefix: “pretended and not real”
Pseudocode
There are many different flavours of pseudocode from different people - some almost good and others really bad…. There is no pseudocode standard!
“pseudocode is a plain language description of the steps in an algorithm or another system. Pseudocode often uses structural conventions of a normal programming language, but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading. It typically omits details that are essential for machine understanding of the algorithm, such as variable declarations and language-specific code. The programming language is augmented with natural language description details, where convenient, or with compact mathematical notation. The purpose of using pseudocode is that it is easier for people to understand than conventional programming language code, and that it is an efficient and environment-independent description of the key principles of an algorithm. It is commonly used in textbooks and scientific publications to document algorithms and in planning of software and other algorithms”
Source: Wikipedia
“No broad standard for pseudocode syntax exists, as a program in pseudocode is not an executable program; however, certain limited standards exist (such as for academic assessment). Pseudocode resembles skeleton programs, which can be compiled without errors. Flowcharts, drakon-charts and Unified Modelling Language (UML) charts can be thought of as a graphical alternative to pseudocode, but need more space on paper”
Source: Wikipedia
Steve McConnell’s Pseudocode
The best coverage and explanation I have so far found is in Chapter 9 of Steve McConnell’s bestselling book “Code Complete”
“The term “pseudocode” refers to an informal, English-like notation for describing how an algorithm, a routine, a class, or a program will work” Source: (McConnell 2004, pp. 218-234)
The Pseudocode Programming Process
Steve McConnell takes pseudocode a whole step further by proposing the “Pseudocode Programming Process” where pseudocode becomes an important part of the program specification, design and review process…
“The Pseudocode Programming Process defines a specific approach to using pseudocode to streamline the creation of code within routines”
Pseudocode pages from Code Complete
References:
McConnell, S., 2004. Code Complete. 2nd ed. Microsoft Press.