Pseudocode

Pseudocode Algorithms

Testing and debugging

Lesson Objectives:

• Students should be able to:

• interpret algorithms from case problems.

• correct algorithms from case problems.

• develop algorithms from case problems.

Introduction

Examine the algorithms and answer the questions that follow.

Poll

Which of the algorithms illustrates unbounded iteration?

• Algorithm 1

• Algorithm 2

Poll

Which of the algorithms illustrates bounded iteration?

• Algorithm 1

• Algorithm 2

Open Ended

Explain how the loop in algorithm 1 is expected to terminate.

Open Ended

Explain how the loop in algorithm 2 is expected to terminate.

What is testing?

Testing is the process of verifying and validating that a software or application is bug free, meets the technical requirements as guided by its design and development and meets the user requirements effectively and efficiently with handling all the exceptional and boundary cases.

What is debugging?

Debugging is the process of fixing a bug in the software. It can defined as the identifying, analyzing and removing errors. This activity begins after the software fails to execute properly and concludes by solving the problem and successfully testing the software. It is considered to be an extremely complex and tedious task because errors need to be resolved at all stages of debugging.

The following are methods used to test that software meets the requirements for which it was designed.

• Doing a structured Walkthrough

• Creating a tracetable

Structured Walkthrough

A structured walkthrough is a static testing technique performed in an organized manner between a group of peers to review and discuss the technical aspects of software development process. The main objective in a structured walkthrough is to find defects in order to improve the quality of the product.

Trace table

A trace table is a technique used to test algorithms or computer programs for logic errors that occur while the program or algorithm is executing.

Question Example

What would the algorithm print given the following line of input data?

5 3 2 6 12 4

Open Ended

Input your response here:

Open Ended

Input your response here: