Defining the problem

• Before spending time trying to solve a programming problem, it is essential that your first understand the problem to be solved.
• read, read, read
• ask questions
• clarify anything you are not sure of
• try writing the problem in your own words
• produce an input processing output chart
• Designing a solution
• Once the problem is understood, the next step is to design a solution for the problem
• This usually involves breaking the problem into smaller pieces and producing an algorithm for each piece.
• An algorithm is a step by step process that needs to be followed in order to solve a problem.
• Testing the design
• Once the solution has been designed, it is important to check that the deigned solution actually solves the problem
• This involves performing a desk check of each algorithm.
• A desk check may involve using test input data and working through each algorithm using this test input.
• Implementing the solution
• Testing the solution
• Once the solution has been written the new program needs to be tested
• A bank of test input should be used to test every conceivable input into the program
• The test result should be recorded and appropriately documented.
• Documenting the solution
• Of extreme importance is the proper documentation of program you produce
• Program documentation may consist of source code comments user manuals, installation guides etc
• Proper documentation is important because it assists other people in understanding and using your program.