Solution for the Problem

Problem Solving

Today, we use computers in every field for various purposes. But, we know that they cannot solve the problems all by themselves. Furthermore, we have to give step by step instructions to the computer for solving the problem. We can define problem-solving as a process of understanding the problem, finding solution for the problem, and finally implementing the solution to it.

Therefore, we can say that a successful problem-solving process depends on the following factors:

• understanding the problem and defining it precisely.
• designing a proper algorithm (solution) for it or finding solution for the problem.
• implementing the algorithm successfully.

When the problems are easy we can easily search out a solution. Whereas, complex problems require step by step process to solve. Hence, this means that we have to apply problem-solving techniques to solve the problem. Furthermore, this starts with finding a precise definition of the problem and ends with a successful solution. Here, we will study finding the solution for the problem in detail.

Solution for the Problem

Finding the proper solution for the problem is a very crucial step in problem-solving. Finding a solution basically means developing an algorithm for the problem.

Algorithm: An algorithm is basically a procedure of steps that we exactly follow to solve a particular task or problem.

Hence, we can say that before writing the exact code for the problem it is necessary to define a solution. Moreover, this solution is in natural language which we call an algorithm. We can do this by starting with an initial plan and improvising it till it gives perfect results. Moreover, there can be more than one possible solution for a problem. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the programmer to choose the best algorithm.

Moreover, before we find the solution for the problem it is very necessary to understand the problem clearly.

Understanding the problem

It is very obvious that before finding the solution we should understand the problem well. Moreover, if we fail to understand the problem we may end up with a useless solution for it. Hence, a wrong solution will not solve our purpose of problem-solving. Therefore, we need to read the problem carefully and decide the different functions which the solution will contain.

Moreover, we need to understand that what is the required output and how we can generate it. Besides, for proper output, we surely need an input. The input can be single or multiple as per the problem. Hence, it is quite important to maintain the necessary relationship between the input and the output.

Browse more Topics Under Problem Solving Methodologies

• Understanding of the Problem
• Breaking Down Solution into Simple Steps
• Identification of Arithmetic and Logical Operations
• Control Structure
• Introduction to Algorithms/Flowcharts

Important points in finding the solution for the problem

Some of the important points that we should keep in mind while finding the solution for the problem are as follows:

• We should first develop an algorithm for the solution.
• Start with a basic algorithm and improvise it to give the perfect output.
• If there is more than one possible algorithm, choose the best one.
• Understand the problem well before writing the algorithm.
• After finalizing the algorithm write the program code.

Besides, we can break the problem into subproblems in order to make the work easier. Breaking the whole problem into simple steps makes it quite easy to design the algorithm. Moreover, this approach is called the modular approach for programming. Furthermore, we can divide the problem in two ways as follows:

• Top-Down Approach
• Bottom-Up Approach

Steps after finding the solution

The further steps after finding the solution/algorithm are as follows:

Coding

Once we write the algorithm, we need to convert it into machine language so that the computer can understand it. Hence, we need to write the program code in a high-level language. Therefore, coding is the process of converting the algorithm into a programming language syntax.

Running and Debugging Programs

After writing a program, we need to run and test the program. Testing means running each instruction and checking the validity of output. Furthermore, after testing we can know about the errors in the program. Besides, then we can solve and correct these errors and make the program error-free. We can do this by debugging the program. This means finding the location of the error and then resolving it by making necessary changes. There can be several types of errors therefore, running and debugging programs are necessary.

Moreover, there can be several types of errors in a program. Types of errors are as follows:

• Syntax error
• Logical/Semantic error
• Runtime error

Documentation

Documentation basically helps an inexperienced user to prepare the input, process the code, and obtain the output. Besides, this includes the problem definition, design documentation, history of program development, description of test performance, versions of the program, and a user’s manual.

Program Maintenance

All the activities that occur after the completion of the program come under the program maintenance. Functions of program maintenance include the following:

• Finding and correcting the errors.
• Modifying the program to enhance it. Besides, we modify it usually to adapt to some new laws or government policies. Moreover, we also have to modify it in case if we want to change the hardware or operating system.
• Update the documentation part.
• Add new features and functions.
• Remove useless parts of code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the main steps in problem-solving?

A1. A successful problem-solving process depends on the following factors:

• understanding the problem.
• designing a proper algorithm (solution).
• implementing the algorithm.

Q2. What is problem-solving?

A2. We can define problem-solving as a process of understanding the problem, finding solution for the problem, and finally implementing the solution to it.

Q3. What is an algorithm?

A3. An algorithm is basically a procedure of steps that we exactly follow to solve a particular task or problem.

Q4. What is the modular approach for programming?

A4. Modular approach for programing means breaking the whole problem into simple steps to make it easy to design the algorithm.

Q5. What are the two ways of performing modular programming?

A5. The two ways are as follows:

• top-down approach
• bottom-up approach