[Year 12 SofDev] Pseudocode standards

Thu May 19 14:31:42 EST 2011

For me, one of the reasons for pseudocode is to help students transition between their, usually rather poorly expressed, idea for the algorithm and the code. For this reason I like to see a reasonable standard structure which more or less matches the code structure they will use. It gives us a good point of discussion as to how the program needs to be written and how the algorithm works. 

I also like the <-- structure because it allows for the varied usages in different languages and distinguishes clearly between assignment and equality.

John

John Schwartz
Parade College
1436 Plenty Road
Bundoora, Victoria, 3083
Phone: 03 9468 3300
Fax: 03 9467 3937
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-----Original Message-----
From: Mark KELLY [mailto:kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au] 
Sent: Thursday, 19 May 2011 12:13 PM
To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] Pseudocode standards

Hi Alan. I agree with you.  Pseudocode needs to be easy to interpret (which is partly why I think showing assignment with <-- is not a good idea).
But to make pseudocode more concise, I'd like some higher-order constructs.  At the moment we're basically using flowchart-level structures whereas we could step up to the more elegant basic N-S shapes.

Cheers
Mark

On 19 May 2011 11:35, Allan Barnes <abarnes at aiet.com.au> wrote:
> In my opinion pseudocode serves two purposes - it serves to 
> demonstrate to fellow programmers the intent of my program, and it 
> also serves to demonstrate to the user what the program will basically 
> do. It is in essence an English-ised version of the code. It doesn't 
> need to have a specific structure or construct because it is not code 
> and does not need to be universal. It is there to communicate to 
> people who don't want to read the lines of code written in code what 
> the program will do, so it has a purpose, but a limited and defined purpose.
>
> Of course I did my post-grad study some years back now so the 
> programming environment has changed a lot, but I think pseudocode still has a purpose.
>
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> Kind regards
>
> Allan Barnes, CEO
> Australian Institute of Education and Training P.O. Box 171 Brunswick 
> West 3055 Melbourne, Victoria
> Ph: (03) 9387 2051
> FAX: (03) 9387 3470
> Mobile: 0409 428 221
>
>
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>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au 
> [mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> On Behalf Of Mark KELLY
> Sent: Thursday, 19 May 2011 10:50 AM
> To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] Pseudocode standards
>
> I'd be interested in hearing the opinions of the quiet people who 
> subscribe to the list.  If you're quiet because you're worried about a 
> bad reaction, please rest easy.
>
> This list is officially unicorns and rainbows for all contributors.
> We encourage all input, and enjoy any on-topic spirited debate that 
> does not become acrimonious or personal.
>
> So please chip in. Most of the talent on the list is the hidden 90% of 
> the iceberg...
>
> Cheers
> Mark
>
>
> On 18 May 2011 11:16, Mark KELLY <kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au> wrote:
>> Hi Claudia and all
>>
>> Is there any news on what pseudocode we can expect to be "standard" 
>> in SD exams?  Until recently there wasn't even a FOR structure in 
>> pseudocode,
> but
>> it's there now (Q4 in the sample questions) - a good move.
>> What other structures and syntaxes does VCAA consider appropriate?
>  <snip>
>
> --
> Mark Kelly
> Manager of ICT, Reporting, IT Learning Area McKinnon Secondary College 
> McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia Direct line / 
> Voicemail: +613 8520 9085, Fax +613 9578 9253 
> kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au VCE IT Lecture Notes: http://vceit.com
> Moderator: IT Applications Edulist
>
> Want a good time? Call 0112358. Ask for Mr Fibonacci.
>
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--
Mark Kelly
Manager of ICT, Reporting, IT Learning Area McKinnon Secondary College McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia Direct line / Voicemail: +613 8520 9085, Fax +613 9578 9253 kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au VCE IT Lecture Notes: http://vceit.com
Moderator: IT Applications Edulist

Want a good time? Call 0112358. Ask for Mr Fibonacci.

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