Examples

Writing an Algorithm for Serving a Beverage

Problem Statement: Write an algorithm to serve orange juice or milk to our auntie who is sitting at the kitchen table.
Auntie will choose one of the two beverages. Also allow auntie to choose between a small and large glass. Glass should be filled to one inch from the top. Wash hands before starting.

Given: We have a clean kitchen with all the necessary dishes, utensils, and ingredients. Drinking glasses are in the cupboard. Assume there is an obvious difference (in cupboard) between a small and large glass. Beverage containers are in the fridge. Cleanup steps do not need to be included.

Write the algorithm in human language (English). As always, we assume the algorithm "doer" knows nothing about this subject.

Wash hands
Ask auntie if she would like orange juice or milk
Remember answer as beverageChoice
Ask Auntie how big of a glass she would like
Remember answer as beverageSize
Get sufficiently large glass out of cupboard to match beverageSize
Open fridge
Remove beverage container that matches beverageChoice
Remove cap from beverage container
Fill up glass up with beverage -- to within one inch of top
Replace cap on beverage container
Put beverage container back into fridge
Serve beverage to Auntie

Writing an Algorithm for Adding a Computer Directory

Problem Statement: Write an algorithm to create a computer directory "\foo" on a computer. Assume the directory does not exist before starting.

Given:

We can open a "file browser" as our main tool
We can navigate to any existing directory which will then be our "current directory"

These are the commands we have available in the "file browser":

"Right-click -- Create Directory", which prompts for a name (input), and then requires the "Enter" key to finish the command. A new directory is added with the name that was input.

Note: these commands apply to the current directory shown in the "file browser"

Write the algorithm, in human language (English). As always, we assume the algorithm "doer" knows nothing about this subject.

Make the steps operating system independent -- e.g., no Windows/Mac specific commands. Use commands from above-mentioned "popup".

Open a file browser
Navigate (in file browser) to root directory "\"
In the file browser, right click
Choose action "Create Directory"
On prompt enter name "foo"
Press "Enter" Key