Programming is a problem solving activity. When you write a program, you are actually writing an instruction for a computer to solve some problem. Overtime, there are several strategies that have been developed and applied to solve problems. Problem solving is the processing of transforming problem from initial state to a desired state. Some techniques are more effective while others are less. Here I outline some of the common strategies Trial and Error – This is...
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In practice, a problem occurs when a problem solver has a goal but initially does not know how to reach the goal. So, the problem begins in a given state (current state) and the problem solver wants the problem in another state (goal state). Problem solving is required to transform the current state to the goal state. Therefore problem solving is application of ideas, skills, or actual information to achieve the solution to a problem or...
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“It is not only the violin that shapes the violinist, we are all shaped by the tools we train ourselves to use, and in this respect programming languages have a devious influence: they shape our thinking habits.” ― Edsger W. Dijkstra “Program testing can be used to show the presence of bugs, but never to show their absence!” ― Edsger W. Dijkstra
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The goal of problem analysis is to gain better understanding of the problem being solved before development begins. It is import to know why the problem is occurring, when and how often. Try to understand the first cause of the problem. Root cause analysis is a systematic way of uncovering the root, or underlying first cause of an identified problem or a symptom to the problem. Tools such as fishbone diagram or pareto chart can help...
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“Until the problem is well defined and articulated it is impossible to arrive at a solution” The first step to solving any software engineering problem is to define the problem. Articulate the problem and eliminate all unnecessary terminologies and jargons. Start by reading the problem completely at least twice. Read and establish the context of each key word. If time allows, research about the problem. Ensure that there is agreement on the problem to be solved....
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Programming is the process of planning a sequence of steps called instructions for the computer to follow. The fact that you are reading this post you already know that computers lack common sense and cannot make any judgment. So the computer will do as instructed by the programmer through the computer program. Programming is more about problem solving than coding. A problem is the difference between things as perceived and things as desired. A solution will...
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