2. Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a text-based way of setting out an algorithm. Here is a very simple example:

• START
• Fetch a tea cup
• Boil some water
• Place a tea bag into the cup
• Pour on boiling water
• Stir teabag
• Remove teabag
• END

Pseudocode is not a formal computer language and so it has no particular rules governing how it should be written. However for this SQA course, there is a particular style called 'Haggis pseudocode' that will be used in your exam questions.

You will not be asked to actually write pseudocode in the exam but you will be given ready-made examples which you need to follow.

What is important is that pseudocode should be easy to read, unambiguous and error free. Especially because programmers often use it to form the basis of their programming code.