[Algorithm] 7 Steps to construct algorithm solution

• Step 1: Work example by hand
  • Should be a small problem to solve mentally
    • If problem is unclear --> ask or research
    • If domain knowledge is lacking (i.e. physics behind defining equation of motion) --> research or study till figured out
• Step 2: Write down what you did
   
  • Write down exact steps on how you did it, and don't leave anything out
    • This steps are for small instance solved in step 1 (Not general step)
    • Do not do this mentally, or gloss over it
• Step 3: Find patterns and generalize
  • Here steps are written as a solution to any instance of the problem
  • Is done by finding patterns to what I did, and replace it with more general behavior based on the pattern
    • Important tools for finding patterns are:
      • 1. looking for repeatitive behavior
      • 2. finding behavior which works sometimes but not always
      • 3. figuring out what conditions a behavior is performed
      • 4. figuring out how specific values you use relate to parameters you picked
  • How to find patterns?
    • 1. Create Tables (see 2:10 in https://www.coursera.org/learn/java-programming/lecture/kNS01/java-math)
      
      
      
  • Repeat step 1 and 2 when in trouble
    • Use different inputs
• Step 4: Check inputs by hand
  • Is the step to find incorrect patterns and mistakes in step 3
  • Fix it all (or as much as you can) before moving to next step
• Step 5: Translate to code
• Step 6: Run test cases
  • Use particular input and check if it produces correct answer
• Step 7: Debug failed test

References

• Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software, Duke University: https://www.coursera.org/learn/java-programming