what is a pseudocode

Pseudocode is a plain language description of the steps in an algorithm or another system. It is a methodology that allows the programmer to represent the implementation of an algorithm. Pseudocode often uses structural conventions of a normal programming language, but is intended for human reading rather than machine. It is a false code or a representation of code which can be understood by even a layman with some school level programming knowledge. Pseudocode is used to improve the readability of any approach and acts as a bridge between the program and the algorithm or flowchart. It is commonly used in textbooks and scientific publications to document algorithms and in planning of software and other algorithms. Pseudocode is an informal way of programming description that does not require any strict programming language syntax or underlying technology considerations. It is used for creating an outline or a rough draft of a program. Pseudocode summarizes a programs flow, but excludes underlying details. When pseudocode is incorporated into the development process, designers, lead programmers, and other key players can use the code to design, collaborate on, and evaluate the logic behind the program or algorithm. The primary prerequisite for pseudocode is that its comprehensible to the people who need to understand it, no matter what the codes structure or syntax is. After the pseudocode has been finalized, a programmer can then develop the actual code in a programming language.