#3 Notasi Algoritma (Kalimat Deskriptif, Flowchart, dan Pseudocode)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive understanding of algorithm notation, focusing on descriptive sentences, flowcharts, and pseudocode. By mastering these concepts, you will enhance your ability to design and communicate algorithms effectively, which is essential in programming and problem-solving.

Step 1: Understanding Descriptive Sentences

Descriptive sentences are the foundation of algorithm notation. They provide clear and simple explanations of what an algorithm does.

• Use Simple Language: Write in a way that is easy to understand.
• Be Direct: Clearly state the purpose of the algorithm.
• Follow a Logical Order: Organize the sentence to reflect the sequence of actions.

Example: "To calculate the total price, add the item prices and apply a discount if applicable."

Step 2: Creating Flowcharts

Flowcharts visually represent algorithms, making it easier to understand and analyze processes.

• Start with a Terminal Symbol: Use an oval shape to indicate the start of the process.
• Use Rectangles for Processes: Each action or step in the algorithm should be represented with a rectangle.
• Decision Points: Use diamonds to show decision points that lead to different branches based on conditions.
• Connect with Arrows: Use arrows to indicate the flow of the process from one step to another.

Example:

1. Start
2. Input item prices
3. Calculate total price
4. Is there a discount? (Decision)
   • Yes: Apply discount
   • No: Go to next step
5. Output total price
6. End

Step 3: Writing Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a high-level representation of an algorithm that resembles programming languages but is written in plain language.

• Structure Your Pseudocode: Use indentation and keywords like "IF", "ELSE", "FOR", and "WHILE" to define your logic clearly.
• Avoid Language-Specific Syntax: Focus on the logic rather than the specific syntax of a programming language.

Example:

START
Input itemPrices
totalPrice = 0
FOR each price in itemPrices DO
    totalPrice = totalPrice + price
END FOR
IF discountApplicable THEN
    totalPrice = totalPrice - discount
END IF
Output totalPrice
END

Step 4: Connecting the Concepts

Integrate descriptive sentences, flowcharts, and pseudocode to create a cohesive understanding of your algorithm.

• Start with a descriptive sentence to outline what the algorithm accomplishes.
• Use a flowchart to visualize the process, ensuring each step logically follows the previous one.
• Translate the flowchart into pseudocode for a more technical representation.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned the essentials of algorithm notation through descriptive sentences, flowcharts, and pseudocode. Mastering these tools will greatly improve your algorithm design and communication skills. As a next step, practice creating your own algorithms using these methods on a variety of problems to reinforce your understanding.