Computer Programming concept: Problem Solving

Understand programming concepts first!

by SB Sanni.

Knowledge of problem solving and programming concepts is a necessity for those who work with computers, either as programmers or as users. Unfortunately, many learners have greater difficulty with problem solving than they do with the syntax of computer languages or applications. Since problem-solving concepts are similar in all languages and applications, learners can learn them in one computer language. Then, the learners can concentrate on syntax. This arrangement not only saves time but also decreases frustration for everyone involved, and it improves the success rates of the learners.

When I ventured into the world of computer programming, as a Newbie - without any computer science or programming background- it was a difficult experience as I was learning it on my own without any instructor, teacher or lecturer. I read books and watch online tutorials, still didn't understand 'Jack!' I nearly gave up, as a matter of fact I did, but later went back to it. Computer programming started making sense to me when I started understanding the concepts behind it. I've always known that I can learn anything if only I can just understand it. Hence, the motto of my website, ''understanding what you know is the key.'' It was until I stopped focusing on the computer language syntax and then decided to understand how computer works and programming concepts that my journey in computer programming started becoming seamless. And this is the mistake that most learners - especially those coming from a Non-tech background like me - make; they more often than not, focus on the computer language syntax they are learning instead of understanding computer programming concepts, which invariably would hone their programming skills.

Understand the programming concepts first! Which is synonymous to real life problem solving paradigms, and in this article, I will do my best to expound on this thesis.

Problem Solving in Everyday Life

People make decisions every day to solve problems that affect their lives. The problems may be as unimportant as what to watch on television (please, watch the edifying ones 😊) or as important as choosing a new profession. If a bad decision is made, time and resources are wasted, so it's important that people know how to make decisions well. There are six steps to follow to assure the best decision. These steps, the six steps in problem solving, include the following: 

1. Identify the problem.
The first step towards solving a problem is to identify the problem.

2. Understand the problem.
You must understand what is involved in the problem before you can continue towards the solution.

3. Identify alternative ways to solve the problem.
This list should be as complete as possible. You might want to talk to other people to find other solutions than those you have identified. Alternative solutions must be acceptable ones.

4. Select the best way to solve the problem from the list of alternative solutions.
In this step, you need to identify and evaluate the merits and demerits of each possible solution before selecting the best one.

5. List instructions that enable you to solve the problem using the selected solution: step-by-step instructions.
No instruction can be used unless the individual or the machine can understand it. This can be very limiting, especially when working with computers.

6. Evaluate the solution.
To evaluate or test a solution means to check its result to see if it is correct, and to see if it satisfies the needs of the person(s) with the problem. 

If any of these six steps are not completed well, the results may be less than desired. People solve problems daily at home, or work, or wherever they go. The problems at work, might involve dealing with fellow employees, work policies, management, or customers. The better the decisions an employee can make, the more valuable that person will be to the company. In each case, the six steps in problem solving can be followed. Most people use them without even knowing it.

Types of Problems

Problems do not always have straightforward solutions. Problem, like baking a cake, can be solved with a series of steps. These steps are called the algorithm. The solutions of other problems, such as how to buy the best stock or whether to expand the company, are not so straightforward. These solutions require reasoning built on knowledge and experience, and experimentation. Solutions that cannot be reached through a direct set of steps are called heuristic solutions.

The problem solver can use the six steps for both algorithmic and heuristic solutions. However, in step 6, evaluating the solution, the correctness and appropriateness of heuristic solutions are far less certain. It's easy to tell if your completed chequebook balance is correct and satisfactory, but it's hard to tell if you've bought the best stock. With heuristic solutions, the problem solver will often need to follow the six steps more than once, carefully evaluating each possible solution before deciding which is best.

Problem Solving with Computers

In this article, the term solution means the instructions listed during step 5 of problem solving—the instructions that must be followed to produce the best results. Results means the outcome or the completed computer-assisted answer. Program means the set of instructions that make up the solution after they have been coded into a particular computer language. Computers are built to deal with algorithmic solutions, which are often difficult or very chronophagous for humans. People are better than computers at developing heuristic solutions. Solving a complicated mathematical problem is an easy task for the computer, but the problem of how to speak English is not. The difficulty lies in the programming. How can problems such as how to speak English be solved in a set of steps that the computer can understand? The field of computers that deals with heuristic types of problems is called artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables a computer to do things like build its own knowledge bank and speak in a human language. As a result, the computer's problem solving abilities are similar to those of a human being, AI is an expanding computer field. Until computers can be built to think like humans, people will process most heuristic solutions and computers will process many algorithmic solutions. Therefore, I would suggest to a learner to master algorithmic process. Heuristic problem solving can help determine alternative solutions. However, for computer use, they must be transformed into an algorithmic format.

Difficulties with Problem Solving

Often, when people go through the problem-solving process, they complete one or more of the steps inadequately. They may not define the problem correctly or may not use a logical sequence of steps in their solution. They may also incorrectly or willy-nilly evaluate the solution. The problem-solving process is not a walk in the park. It takes practice and time to perfect, but in the long run the process proves to be greatly profitable. When solving problems on the computer, one of the most difficult tasks for the problem solver is writing the instructions. Take the task of deciding which number is the largest from a group of five numbers. Almost anyone can immediately tell which is the largest, but many cannot explain the steps they followed to arrive at it. Most people will say, "I can't explain how I know, I just know it!" This explanation does not suffice for the computer. The computer is a tool that will perform only tasks that the user can explain. The computer has a specific system of communication that programmers and users must learn. This system demands that no step in the solution to a problem be left unstated and that all steps be in the fitting order. You must assume the computer knows nothing except what you tell it, and think of it as an ignorant but efficient aid to problem solving.

The steps in problem solving can be applied to problems in daily life as well as to problems put on computer. Good problem-solving techniques enable you to look at a problem logically and unemotionally, saving time and other resources.

If you learnt from this article, you can check out this article also.

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