Iterations

(Loops statements)

Also known as a loop statement, is a

conditional statement that requires a block
of statements to be repeated either for a
specific number of times or a condition is
met.

Definite facilitates a block of instructions

being repeated for a specific number of
times.

Indefinite facilitates a block of instructions

being repeated until a particular condition
has been met.

Syntax:
For controlvariable = 1 to N do

Statement(s)

endfor

E.g.
For gender=male do

NAF = AF GenderDiscount

endfor

Syntax:
While <condition> do

Statement(s)

Endwhile

E.g.
While gender <> do

NAF = AF GenderDiscount

endwhile

Every loop has the following elements:

Initialization
Repetitive statement
Loops statements (block)
Conclusion

Before a loop is started we may need some

statements to get started.

i.e. a variable may need to be initialized to

a start value or an initial value read into a
variable.

The while - endwhile statement or the for

endfor statement specifying that the
sequences of instructions must be carried
out until the condition is met or a definite
number of times.

Specify what statements are to be

repeated.

When a loop is over we may need to

perform some tasks.

E.g. Print the results of a calculation.

An important principle in pseudocode

development.
Start with a value of 0 and each time you
are given a number you add it to your
present sum.

Syntax:
Sum = Sum + New_number
Each time a new number is given (inputted)
it is added to sum.

Counting the number of times a value is

encountered or a statement is carried out,
is another important concept in pseudocode
development.
Syntax:
Counter = Counter + N

E.g.
Counter = Counter + 1
Counter = Counter + 5

1.

What type of loop do I need? Definite or

Indefinite?

2.

Does the question require any input? Yes

or No?
If Yes then for a For Loop your first input
statement must take place somewhere
immediately following the beginning of the loop.
If No then for a While Loop you will have to use an
input statement:
Before the beginning of the lop
Towards the end of the loop

3.

Do I need to count anything? If yes how many?

For each item to be counted you need to initialize each
counter variable before the start of the loop and you
need to put each counter construct inside the loop.

4.

Do I need to sum or accumulate any value? Do I

need a product, average etc. If yes how many?
For each value to be accumulated you need to initialize
an accumulator to 0 outside the loop and you need to
place the accumulator construct inside the loop.

5.

Do I need to count anything? If yes how many?

For each item to be counted you need to initialize each
counter variable before the start of the loop and you
need to put each counter construct inside the loop.

6.

Do I need to sum or accumulate any value? Do I

need a product, average etc. If yes how many?
For each value to be accumulated you need to initialize
an accumulator to 0 outside the loop and you need to
place the accumulator construct inside the loop.

7.

Is there any condition(s) affected by the

questions?
If Yes for each counter, accumulator or print
statement within loop block , see under which
condition it does that.

8.

Do I need to print anything?

If Yes where do I put my Print statement? Inside
the loop or outside the loop? A print statement
placed inside a loop will be executed (carried out)
each time the loop block is repeated.

What action must I perform when the loop

terminates?
You may need to calculate an average, a
difference or a print value.

After each question above is answered you

make the necessary change to the
pseudocode. The processing is very similar
to baking a cake or building a house.

1. Write a pseudocode algorithm to read a

sequence of numbers terminated by 999.
The pseudocode should count and print the
number of negative values and zero values.
The algorithm should also print the sum of
their positive numbers.