Steps For Problem Solving
Suppose while driving, a vehicle starts making a strange noise. We might not
know how to solve the problem right away. First, we need to identify from where the
noise is coming. In case the problem cannot be solved by us, then we need to take the
vehicle to a mechanic. The mechanic will analyse the problem to identify the source of
the noise, make a plan about the work to be done and finally repair the vehicle in order
to remove the noise.
From the above example, it is explicit that, finding the solution to a problem
might consist
of multiple steps.
When problems are straightforward and easy, we can easily find the solution.
But a complex problem requires a methodical approach to find the right solution. In
other words, we have to apply problem solving techniques. Problem solving begins
with the precise identification of the problem and ends with a complete working solution
in terms of a program or software. Key steps required for solving a problem using a
computer are shown in Figure 1.
1. Analysing the problem
It is important to clearly understand a problem before we begin to find the solution for it.
If we are not clear as to what is to be solved, we may end up developing a program
which may not solve our purpose. Thus, we need to read and analyse the problem
statement carefully in order to list the principal components of the problem and decide
the core functionalities that our solution should have. By analysing a problem, we
would be able to figure out what are the inputs that our program should accept and the
outputs that it should produce.
Figure 1: Steps to Problem Solving
2. Developing an Algorithm
It is essential to device a solution before writing a program code for a given problem.
The solution is represented in natural language and is called an algorithm. We can
imagine an algorithm like a very well-written recipe for a dish, with clearly defined steps
that, if followed, one will end up preparing the dish.
We start with a tentative solution plan and keep on refining the algorithm until the
algorithm is able to capture all the aspects of the desired solution. For a given problem,
more than one algorithm is possible and we have to select the most suitable solution.
The algorithm is discussed in section 4.3.
3. Coding
After finalising the algorithm, we need to convert the algorithm into the format which
can be understood by the computer to generate the desired solution. Different high
level programming languages can be used for writing a program.
It is equally important to record the details of the coding procedures followed and
document the solution. This is helpful when revisiting the programs at a later stage.
4. Testing and Debugging
The program created should be tested on various parameters. The program should
meet the requirements of the user. It must respond within the expected time. It should
generate correct output for all possible inputs. In the presence of syntactical errors, no
output will be obtained. In case the output generated is incorrect, then the program
should be checked for logical errors, if any.
Software industry follows standardised testing methods like unit or component testing,
integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing while developing complex
applications. This is to ensure that the software meets all the business and technical
requirements and works as expected. The errors or defects found in the testing phases
are debugged or rectified and the program is again tested. This continues till all the
errors are removed from the program.
Once the software application has been developed, tested and delivered to the user,
still problems in terms of functioning can come up and need to be resolved from time to
time. The maintenance of the solution, thus, involves fixing the problems faced by the
user, answering the queries of the user and even serving the request for addition or
modification of features.
