Pseudocode describes an algorithm in structured, English-like statements. It is not a real programming language, so it cannot be run, but it is easy to turn into code in any language.
Pseudocode sits halfway between plain English and a programming language. It uses keywords such as IF, WHILE and FOR, just as real code does, but you do not have to worry about semicolons, brackets or data types. This lets you concentrate on the logic.
Key words in this topic
- Keyword: a capitalised word with a fixed meaning, such as READ, PRINT, IF or WHILE.
- Indentation: moving the body of a structure to the right so you can see where it starts and ends.
- Pre-test and post-test loops: loops that check the condition before (WHILE) or after (REPEAT ... UNTIL) each pass.
- Procedure: a named block of steps that can be called whenever it is needed.