5 Pseudocode

There are many ways to represent an algorithm. Flow charts, state diagrams and activity diagrams are just a few examples of graphical representations. Although a graphical representation is more friendly to beginners, they quickly become messy and impossible to maintain as algorithms become more complex. Furthermore, most graphical algorithm representations do not promote structured programming, which makes them impractical for even simple algorithms like sorting.

The name ``pseudocode'' is derived from pseudo and code. ``Pseudo'' means false, not real, fake. ``Code'' in this context means program code. Pseudocode, therefore, means ``not real program code''. That doesn't sound very useful, does it?

Well, as we will find out from other modules, pseudocode is very important, and very useful.