Algorithms are the procedure used to solve any problem using pseudo code.
Most algorithms can be described using pen and paper, or - as we have keyboard - a text editor.
I like the simple route.
When you have a problem at hand, even a simple one, think out loud and write down all the things you must take care of.
If you start with the simple algorithms, you will train to be able to solve the more difficult ones later on.
In the “The Main Concepts” module, lesson Algorithms, I introduced some special kinds of pre-made algorithms which are usually studied in Computer Science, and commonly asked at coding interviews.
These algorithms I’m talking about now are different. I’m talking about creating new algorithms to solve new problems.
Creating an algorithm is like writing code.
Except you don’t have to worry about syntax, and you can use whatever visual instrument you like. Even pieces of paper, stickies and draw arrows.
To me, using pen and paper makes the problem more concrete. More real. And thus, easier to reason about, and easier to solve.
There is one really nice way to represent algorithms, which can help both to formalize an algorithm once you defined it, or also to help you define it in the first place.
It’s called flow charts.