Pseudocode: Think Before You Type

Write your solution in plain English before touching Python

Pseudocode is a plain-English description of your algorithm. No syntax rules, no semicolons, just your thought process written down.
It's the bridge between *understanding a problem* and *writing code*.

Pseudocode example, Find the largest number in a list

START with the first number as "largest so far"
FOR each number in the list:
    IF this number > largest so far:
        update "largest so far" to this number
RETURN "largest so far"

Now translate that directly to Python, it's almost word-for-word:

Same logic in Pythonpython

def find_largest(numbers):
    largest = numbers[0]           # Start with first number
    for num in numbers:            # FOR each number
        if num > largest:          # IF this number > largest so far
            largest = num          # update largest
    return largest                 # RETURN largest

The pseudocode process:1. Read the problem2. Write pseudocode in plain English (2-5 lines)3. Translate each line to Python4. Test with examples

Stuck on a problem? Step away from the keyboard. Pick up a pen and write what you'd do in English. The code will follow naturally.

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Phase Complete!

The Programmer's Mindset

Before you write a single line of code, what's the most important thing to do? Describe the 3 steps you now take when approaching a new problem.

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Practice Exercises

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Exercise 1 of 2easy

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Count Positives

Write a function count_positives(numbers) that returns how many numbers in the list are greater than zero.
Write your pseudocode as comments first, then implement.

solution.py

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Exercise 2 of 2easy

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Largest Number

Write a function find_max(numbers) that returns the largest number in a list.
You can assume the list has at least one number.

solution.py

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Solve all 2 exercises to unlock completion

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