Pseudocode is high-level code
“Pseudocode” is a way of preparing to write code by writing approximate commands at a higher level than actual code. It’s one of the most critical tools for developing an algorithm when you’re unsure how to proceed.
I work with my students on learning pseudocode
There are actually many ways to write pseudocode, and some of them are more useful than others. One of the most valuable tools I can give my students is a better understanding of how to use pseudocode in a practical way.
An example of pseudocode
1: for every item I in the list L: 2: compare I to every item in the list J 3: if any are the same: 4: add I to the set S
We can see that line 2 skips over quite a lot of detail—it would need a loop to fully implement—but it’s perfectly clear what’s going on.