Logic First

Programming Logic Design

Language syntax changes, but logic is eternal. This course strips away the distracting code to establish a foundational understanding of how computers actually solve problems through step-by-step instructions.

Algorithmic Thinking Q&A Format

01 The Foundation: Algorithms

An algorithm is simply a set of step-by-step instructions designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem.

How do I write an algorithm for making tea?

Boil water in a kettle.
Place a teabag in a cup.
Pour the boiling water into the cup.
Wait for 3 minutes.
Remove the teabag.
End.

Notice how each instruction is sequential and leads to a definitive endpoint. Programming is the exact same process applied to data.

02 Conditional Flow (If / Else)

Computers aren't smart, they just follow rules fast. Conditionals act over decisions based on the state of the data.

Flow-Style Thinking: Age Gate

Pseudocode

START

INPUT user_age

IF user_age >= 18 THEN
    PRINT "Access Granted"
ELSE
    PRINT "Access Denied: You must be 18."
ENDIF

END

03 Iteration (Loops)

A loop allows you to repeat a block of instructions continuously until a specific condition is met, saving you from writing repetitive code.

What is the difference between a While loop and a For loop?

WHILE Loop: Repeats while a condition is TRUE. Use when you don't know exactly how many times you need to loop (e.g., waiting for user input).

FOR Loop: Repeats a specific number of times. Use when the loop count is known (e.g., iterating through 10 students).

Try It Yourself

Translate this real-world logic into simple Pseudocode:

"Ask the user for their grade number (0-100). If it is 50 or above, tell them they passed. Otherwise, tell them they failed."

Answer

START

INPUT grade

IF grade >= 50 THEN
    PRINT "You Passed!"
ELSE
    PRINT "You Failed."
ENDIF

END

Think Like a Computer

Stop memorizing syntax and start understanding logic. Join the PLD class now.

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