La Salle College Form 3 Information & Computer Technology Programming

Problem-Solving Procedure

A. Computer Programming
1. Computer programming (programming) is a process that leads from the
formulation of a computing problem to an executable computer program
that can solve the problem.
2. It is the process of planning, developing, writing and implementing a sets of
instructions (computer program) that will enable a computer or electronic
device to solve a given problem or perform some specific tasks.
3. Programming involves activities such as problem identification, analysis,
algorithm design, solution development (commonly referred as coding in a
programming language), testing and debugging and documentation.
4. Computer program (source code) is written in one or more programming
languages.

B. Programming Languages
1. A programming language is a formal language that specifies a set of
instructions. It can be used to produce various kinds of computer programs
that run on computer and electronic devices.
2. Each programming language has its specific syntax (grammar), semantics
(meaning) and notations. Programmers must follow the syntax, semantics and
notations to build the program instructions.
3. A software development application (integrated programming tools) is a
computer application that software developers use to create, debug,
maintain computer programs. The most basic tools include a source code
editor, user interface designer, a compiler or an interpreter, and, a debugger.

C. Programming Tools
1. Pascal
- It is a procedural programming language developed in 1970.
- It is a small and efficient language intended to encourage good
programming practices using structured programming (step-by-step
instructions) and data structuring.
2. Visual Basic
- It is an event-driven programming language with integrated development
environment (IDE).
- It was derived from BASIC, a user-friendly programming language
designed for beginners.
- It is relatively easy to learn and use. It enables the rapid application

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development (RAD) of graphical user interface (GUI) applications.

3. RAPTOR
- It is a flowchart-based program development application. It allows users
to draw executable flowcharts.
- User-friendly interface without much programming syntax (grammar) to
learn.
- Train students to learn the problem-solving technique and algorithm
design.

4. App Inventor
- It is a blocks-based program development application.
- It has a visual programming environment that allows users to build fully
functional apps for smartphones and tablets.
- It facilitates the creation of complex, high-impact apps in much less time
than traditional programming environments.

D. Problem Solving Procedure

1. It is not a good practice to start solving a problem immediately after being
given a task or problem.
2. Careful planning is needed to solve problem in an organized and systematic
manner.
3. In general, problem solving procedure can be divided into six steps.

i. Problem Identification
- To identify the problem clearly and precisely so that we know exactly
what needs to be done.
e.g. Parents complained that they do not know the performance of their sons in
school.
What area of performance? Academic, ECA or class behavior
What type of performance? Attendance, achievement or potential

ii. Problem analysis

- To find out what data are available for input and what output
information is required to solve the problem
- To analyze the format of input data and output information
e.g. Input – attendance record every week input by team leader
teacher advisor’s comment every month
Processing – database application to summarize and organize the
data
Output – a monthly report or half-yearly report softcopy or
hardcopy report

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La Salle College Form 3 Information & Computer Technology Programming

- An IPO Chart (Input-Process-Output chart) is commonly used to show

the inputs, process steps and outputs identified for solving a problem.

IPO Chart for Calculation of the Volume of a Round Bottle

Inputs Processing Steps Outputs
1. The radius of the 1. Calculate the cross The volume of the
bottle section area of the bottle
2. The height of the bottle
bottle 2. Calculate the volume of
the bottle

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La Salle College Form 3 Information & Computer Technology Programming

iii. Algorithm design

- An algorithm is a precise, step-by-step instructions for solving a task.
It gives you a series of steps that, if executed correctly, will result in a
solution to a problem.
- Flowchart is commonly used to facilitate the design of algorithm.
- A flowchart shows the flow and control of program instructions in a
specific order.
e.g. Algorithm for making frozen lemon pie
Step 1: Pour 1 can of chilled milk into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Beat the milk until peaks form.
Step 3: "Fold in" 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
Step 4: If you want a more lemony taste, add 1 tsp of grated lemon
peel.
Step 5: Spread a cracker crust on the bottom of a 9" pan.
Step 6: Pour the milk mix into the pan.
Step 7: Place in freezer until frozen.

iv. Solution development

- In computer programming, solution development is to write and build
an executable computer program.
- A computer program is written in particular programming language,
for example Pascal, Java, C and BASIC.
- Different programming languages have different syntaxes, and work
for different computer operating system.
e.g. According to the design of algorithm, write a program using Visual
Basic.
- It is important to remember program coding is not the first step of
programming. Too often we have a tendency to start coding too
soon. A great deal of planning and preparation must be done before
sitting down to code the computer program.

v. Testing and debugging

- Testing is to run the program with suitable test data to find out whether
it works successfully and finds the correct solution.
- If anything is wrong or faults are found (bug), correct the program
(debugging) to fix the problem.
e.g. Test print the performance report with missing teacher advisor’s
comment.
Test print the report with 0% attendance rate.
Test run the program using class and class number only.

vi. Documentation
- To write down note, manual and description of the program for users

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and program maintenance.

- It should be carried out throughout the whole process of problem
solving.
e.g. Write the guideline for generating the performance report
Print the algorithm for making frozen lemon pie as a recipe

E. Introduction of Flowchart
1. A flowchart is a diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or process of
a solution for problem solving.
2. It shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting
them with arrows.
3. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing or documenting in various
applications.
4. The three most conventional types of boxes in a flowchart are:
- a parallelogram is used to show input or output
- a processing step or activity, usually denoted as a rectangular box
- a selection or decision, usually denoted as a diamond

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Appendix:
Further information of different programming languages

1. Evolution of programming languages

2. Compiler Languages
Pascal: http://www.pascal-programming.info/index.php
C/C++: https://www.cprogramming.com/
Java: https://www.w3schools.com/java/default.asp

3. Server-side Script Languages (a kind of interpreter language run on a server)

Python: https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp
PHP: https://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp
SQL: https://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

4. Client-side Script Language (a kind of interpreter language run by a browser)

JavaScript: https://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp

5. Script Languages for specific applications

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for Microsoft Office:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/overview/

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Google Apps Script for Google Apps:

https://developers.google.com/apps-script/articles/tutorials

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