7.10. Stages of solving problems using a computer

Solving problems using a computer should consist of the following main stages, some of which are performed without the participation of a computer.

1. Statement of the problem:

• collecting information about the task;

• expression of the condition of the problem;

• identification of the ultimate goals of solving the problem;

• establishing the form of the results;

• a description of the data (their types, ranges of values, structure, etc.).

2. Analysis and study of the problem, task models:

• research of existing analogues;

• study of hardware and software;

• development of a mathematical model:

• development of data structures.

3. Algorithm definition:

• establishing the algorithm design method;

• identification of the form of the recording algorithm (flowcharts, pseudocode, etc.);

• definition of tests and test method;

• algorithm development.

4. Programming phase:

• definition of a programming language;

• choice of ways to organize data;

• registration of the algorithm in the selected programming language.

5. Testing and debugging phase:

• syntax debugging;

• debugging semantics and logical structure;

• test calculations and analysis of test results;

• improvement of the received program.

6. Consideration of the results of solving the problem and refinement, if necessary, of a mathematical model with repeated execution of steps 2–5.

7. Maintenance of the program:

• completion of the program to solve specific problems;

• preparation of documentation for the solved problem, mathematical model, algorithm, program, test suite, use.

However, not all tasks require a clear sequence of the listed steps. Sometimes their number can vary.