Algorithm And Flow Chart II - SS2 ICT Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Writing an algorithm involves creating a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a specific problem. It's important in programming because it helps programmers plan and communicate how a task should be accomplished by breaking it down into manageable actions. Algorithms are the foundation of computer programs and ensure that tasks are performed correctly and efficiently.

Pseudocode is a high-level, human-readable description of an algorithm's logic. It serves as an intermediate step between understanding a problem and writing actual code. Programmers use pseudocode to outline the algorithm's structure and logic, making it easier to plan and visualize the solution before getting into the specifics of a programming language.

A real-world problem could involve optimizing delivery routes for a fleet of vehicles. To solve it with an algorithm, you would first define the problem's parameters (e.g., starting locations, destinations, time constraints). Then, you'd create a step-by-step algorithm to determine the most efficient routes, considering factors like distance, traffic, and delivery priorities.

Error handling is crucial in algorithm development and programming because it allows programs to gracefully handle unexpected situations. Proper error handling enhances reliability by preventing crashes or data corruption when errors occur. It provides feedback to users or logs errors for debugging, making software more robust and user-friendly.

Checking whether a file exists before opening it is vital to avoid errors and unexpected behavior. If this check is omitted, attempting to open a non-existent file can result in a "file not found" error, causing the program to terminate unexpectedly. Checking for file existence allows for graceful error handling and ensures that the program can proceed safely.