Before diving into actual coding, developers often use pseudocode and flowcharts as essential tools for planning and designing algorithms. These tools provide a visual representation and a structured description of the logic behind a program.

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a high-level description of a computer program or algorithm that uses a mixture of natural language and basic programming constructs. It provides a way for developers to outline the steps of an algorithm without getting into the specifics of a particular programming language. The goal is clarity and understanding rather than strict syntax.

Here's an example of pseudocode for a simple algorithm to find the maximum of two numbers:

            
                Procedure FindMaxNumber(num1, num2)
                If num1 > num2 Then
                    MaxNumber = num1
                Else
                    MaxNumber = num2
                End If
                    Return MaxNumber
                End Procedure
                        
                    

Flowcharts

Flowcharts are graphical representations of a process, displaying the steps and decision points in a systematic way. Different shapes represent different elements, such as rectangles for processes, diamonds for decisions, and arrows for the flow of control. Flowcharts provide a visual guide that helps developers understand the flow of a program's logic.

As shown in the example above, the flowchart visually represents the same algorithm we described earlier in pseudocode. Each shape and arrow correspond to a specific action or decision point, making it easier to comprehend the logic flow of the program.