11.1 Programming Basics

2026 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of this subtopic, you should be able to:

  • write and use pseudocode from a design shown as a flowchart or in structured English
  • write pseudocode statements to declare and initialise constants
  • write pseudocode statements to declare variables
  • assign values to variables in pseudocode
  • write expressions using arithmetic operators
  • write expressions using logical operators
  • use input from the keyboard
  • use output to the console
  • use built-in functions and library routines
  • understand that if a function is not in the pseudocode guide, it will be given in the question
  • understand that string manipulation functions will always be given when needed

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What programming basics means

Programming basics is about writing simple instructions for a computer in a clear and correct way. In this topic, the instructions are written in pseudocode. Pseudocode is a simple way of writing a program using words and symbols that look a bit like real code, but are easier for humans to read.

In this subtopic, you are learning the building blocks of a program. These building blocks include:

  • constants
  • variables
  • assignment
  • expressions
  • input
  • output
  • functions

Once you understand these, you can read a design and turn it into working pseudocode.

Structured English and pseudocode

A design for a program may be shown in structured English or in a flowchart.

Structured English is a simple way of describing an algorithm using clear English statements. An algorithm is a step-by-step method for solving a problem.

For example, a design in structured English might say:

  • Ask the user to enter a name
  • Store the name
  • Display a welcome message

You can turn this into pseudocode like this:

DECLARE Name : STRING
OUTPUT "Enter your name:"
INPUT Name
OUTPUT "Welcome ", Name

This means that one of your skills in this topic is to read a design and then write the same idea as pseudocode.

When doing this, you must make sure that:

  • all values are stored in the correct variables
  • variables are declared before use
  • the steps stay in the correct order
  • the input and output statements match what the design says

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