Introduction

Computer programs, whether they are made for stylizing web pages or simulating thousands of years of the conditions of Earth’s climate, all consist of the same things: algorithms. An algorithm is a set of steps taken to accomplish a task. In scientific computing, many algorithms, sometimes very complex ones, are needed to accomplish various tasks. This 2-part module introduces users to the general structure of a computer program via a generic programming thought process called pseudocoding, that will guide the user through constructing their own algorithms. Along the way, we’ll learn the common syntax, functions, and more that are used to perform certain common parts of algorithms. Then, we’ll revisit the algorithm in a specific language to learn the basic syntax, purpose and advantages to using that language. Currently Fortran is available. Real-life examples of Fortran code are available afterward and interactions in which the user identifies parts of Fortran algorithms can be used for practice.