Any intellect in the animal world uses certain preference algorithms that express personal “I want”. It can be said that potentially artificial intelligence will also use something similar. In the meantime, the implementation of human perception of the world came closest thanks to algorithms with branching. And they will be considered in this article with an explanation of their logic and features.
What is a branching algorithm in programming?
Before embarking on the main topic, you need to make a small digression into the theory. An algorithm is a clear sequence of actions that aims to achieve a specific goal or solve a task. They are divided into three types:
- Linear
- With branching.
- Cyclic.
We are interested in the branching algorithm, therefore only it will be described. This command offers a choice of procedure or function, and subject to certain conditions that are currently available, a choice is made. The structure of such an algorithm is called branching. It provides a choice between several alternatives. Each of the paths (in most cases) leads to a common point in the program code. Branching is also important when you need to skip a specific action. It is also used when the user is given a choice, and this choice should be remembered for further work. In general, these branching algorithms are useful and light. Grade 6 theoretically can even understand and put the knowledge into practice. If you have questions, read the article, most likely, after the completion of this process, they will not remain.
Using Branched Algorithms
It just so happened that the occurrence of situations where everything can be done without a choice is negligible, so you need to consider what options could potentially arise. So, drawing a parallel with life, we can give a classic example with the weather: if it is hot outside, then you need to wear a T-shirt and shorts, if it is snowing - a jacket. More difficult choices also happen, on which the person’s future life (or program work) may depend. Algorithms vary in their complexity and detailed description of steps. So, to create a guideline for yourself, you can use a simple limited description (what and how it should work). But with a computer, such a trick will not work. Here you need a step-by-step solution to each problem. The algorithm includes branching, which, in turn, can continue almost indefinitely. Although in practice, editing such written code is problematic. So that you have an idea, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following forms:
- Simple. If you want to be healthy, you need to exercise.
- Complex. Have a desire to be healthy? If so, do sports. If not, wallow on the couch and watch TV.
- Complex form with incomplete branching. Need to go out. Is it raining? If not, you can leave immediately. If it is, take an umbrella. And only then go out into the street.
Creating Algorithms Outline
Here you are creating a branching algorithm that will run the program. If there is a desire to depict the choice schematically, then a rhombus will do. The top will indicate the transmission of the signal, and in the other three directions, the response is sent. Moreover, it is not necessary to use all of them: two are enough. Rhombus, by the way, is a branching operator that is used to denote this action. But we ran a little ahead. Where does any work begin? With the receipt of data! When constructing the algorithm, do not forget to indicate what data is being processed. There must also always be a logical conclusion. After all, the algorithm, which breaks where, can cause "eternal" processor use, and the game simply freezes. Which, of course, will cause a negative reaction.
What is needed to create a circuit and practical implementation of the algorithm?
Before starting to draw a diagram, it is necessary to learn well what is responsible for, so that there are no logical errors in the future. It is also necessary to learn all the nuances of implementing branching algorithms in those programming languages in which the program is planned to be written. So that in the future there are no problems, you need to hone your skill on "clean sheets". After all, if you understand how and what works, then implementation in most cases will not be a problem. If problems still arise, try to create an algorithm with minimal working steps to identify the problem.
Features when creating
Potentially branches can be infinite. Therefore, when creating them, you can not limit yourself to the number of conditions (although in the end, the more there are, the more difficult it is to navigate). Also a little about complete and incomplete branching. What is the first is probably understandable. And in what cases is incomplete used and how to determine that it is necessary? If there is a need to carry out additional actions, due to the peculiarity of building the program, and at the same time there is a simple continuation option, or it was necessary to shove lines of code where they are not provided, then this is just the case. And the construction scheme will be incomplete, but fully fulfilling its functionality.
Example
Let’s, in order to assimilate the acquired knowledge better, we will understand all the information said on the example of a simple program. After all, although the branching algorithm is easy, examples will allow you to better understand what and how. Suppose you are writing a simple toy in which a person-driven character needs to escape from computer characters. If contact occurs between them, then after a short period of time some action is performed (the hero starts to run slower or even loses). What and how to do here - the choice is yours. But nevertheless, one should take into account the whole aspect of all kinds of actions that open to the programmer for the implementation of the plan. So, you can take away the “life” of the character or make it so that a certain effect, like slowing down, is imposed on a person controlled by a hero, and it was effective as long as the cycle works, which, in turn, works in a certain time period. The final choice is yours.
Afterword
So, in the end it is necessary to take stock of everything that has been said above. To master the components of programming, including branching algorithms, is not difficult if you try hard. You need to learn everything you have to work with. Also, for the best effect, the practical implementation of the acquired knowledge will be useful. You can start with something simple, working out the algorithm on paper or in an electronic file, gradually transferring it to the development environment.