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...