INTRODUCTION
This is a concept as well as a skill that everyone must always consider while trying to solve problems. There are many different problems and different approaches to solving these problems, but there is a unique pattern of solving problems professionally using problem-solving tools, strategies, and techniques. In this article, you will learn more about this concept, why it's important and the steps involved.
WHAT DOES PROBLEM SOLVING MEANS?
Problem solving is the process of devising solutions to overcome obstacles in pursuit of a goal. It's also an act of defining a problem, determining the cause of the problem, identifying, designing, and implementing a solution to the defined problem. Problems might come in the form of requests from clients like "I need a cloth that is suitable for this occasion" as a tailor, "I need a logo for my business or a design that can disseminate this information" as a designer, "I need a website to perform a kind of transaction" as a web developer, and a lot more instances. Problems might also be self-discovered obstacles or deficiencies somewhere. This article lays more emphasis on problem-solving techniques in programming. Have it in mind that these techniques are also applicable in other ways. Programming is all about problem solving that requires software solutions.
IMPORTANCE OF USING THIS PROBLEM SOLVING SKILL
- Finding an efficient solution and determining the origin of an issue are both aided.
- It aids in more effectively locating solutions to challenging issues.
- It enhances your analytical and thinking abilities and helps you launch a successful career.
BASIC STEPS INVOLVED IN PROBLEM SOLVING
There is a basic model called the IPO model that is commonly used in solving problems. This model includes the following steps: Input - know your inputs required to solve the problem Process - process or compute your inputs Output - Output or display your results/solutions Let's see more professional steps.
STANDARD STEPS TO PROBLEM SOLVING
Define the problem
Clearly define the issue statement you're going to try to address. Recognize the problem's description. Understand the intent and expectations of your client.
Get Requirements
This phase provides input material to the product being made for the solution to be derived. As specified by words, you need to know and understand what you have to design and what you have to develop, its processes, what will be its functionalities and lots more just to meet the specifications. This process of getting requirements is called a feasibility study and can be done in different ways, such as interviews, questioning, and observation.
Analysis
Once you have all the necessary requirements, you compile and analyze them. You can compute the solution using the inputs that were available. Analyze all that can be done to arrive at the best solution, then turn that analysis into a whole algorithm.
Design
Create a design for the algorithm of the analysis-derived solution. It functions as a whole plan. It could be shown using Figma software, paper sketches, flowcharts, or pseudocode.
Implementation
In this stage, you code the design in a programming language that is appropriate for the product. Any language you are familiar with that can properly implement the design and make it functional Keep your plan in mind when coding.
Testing
Test the results after implementing your solution. Check for its verification and validation status. Verification is the process of checking that the software meets the specification, i.e., checking if the solution is built in the right format. Validation is the process of checking if the software meets its requirements so that it fulfills its intended purpose, i.e., check if the solution does what you really want it to do. Test and retest until the point at which the software is as per the customer’s expectations. Testers refer to the SRS document to make sure that the software is as per the customer’s standard.
Deployment
Once the product is tested and proven right, you can deploy it in the production environment like a local server for clients to see. If the client finds the application as expected, it can then go live on any live hosting platform.
Maintenance
After a product is deployed, the developers are responsible for product maintenance, which includes fixing any issues that arise and making any enhancements or updates that need to be made. The above steps are the professional/engineering approach to solving software problems.
BENEFITS OF USING THIS PROBLEM SOLVING SKILL
- What are the benefits of practicing these steps when trying to solve any problem or start any projects?
- Ability to organize time intelligently.
- It increases the ability to prioritize, plan, and execute strategies.
- Aids in project management from start to finish.
- Assists you in becoming a distinct engineer
CONCLUSION
In order to facilitate and speed up problem resolution, this article will incorporate engineering abilities into technology careers. Be committed to put principles into practice as you go about addressing problems. Check here for more models. I appreciate your reading.