This text covers the basic problem-solving concepts that readers need to know and understand when working in any computer language or application. With detailed explanations and numerous illustrations, it encompasses all fundamental areas of problem solving from the basics of mathematical functions and operators to the design and use of codes, indicators, control breaks, arrays, pointers, file updates, and report handling. Problem-solving tools, including problem analysis charts, interactive charts, IPO charts, algorithms, and flowcharts are used to design a solution to a problem. This edition is divided into six parts, organized as follows: Unit 1, Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming--Problem solving, an introduction to how problems are solved on computers, mathematical concepts, and steps for analyzing a problem and designing an appropriate solution Unit 2, Programming Logic Structure--Programming that includes local and global variables, parameters, and sequential, decision, loop, and case logic structures Unit 3, Data Structures--Arrays, sorting techniques, search methods, stacks, linked lists, binary trees, and databases Unit 4, Object-Oriented ProgrammingDesign of a solution using object-oriented languages Unit 5, File Processing--File concepts, sequential file processing, and random access file processing Unit 6, Problem Solving for Application Software--Word processing, design, spreadsheets, and information processing

Table of Contents:
I. INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING AND PROGRAMMING.  1. General Problem Solving Concepts.  2. Beginning Problem Solving Concepts for the Computer.  3. Programming Concepts. II. STRUCTURING PROGRAMS FOR LANGUAGES AND APPLICATIONS.  4. An Introduction to Programming Structure.  5. Problem Solving with the Sequential Logic Structure.  6. Problem Solving with Decisions.  7. Problem Solving with Loops.  8. Problem Solving with the Case Logic Structure. III. DATA STRUCTURES.  9. Processing Arrays. 10. Data Structures. 11. Database Concepts. IV. OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING. 12. Concepts of Object Oriented Programming. 13. Object Oriented Program Design. V. FILE PROCESSING. 14. File Concepts. 15. Sequential-Access File Applications. 16. Sequential-Access File Updating. 17. Random Access File Processing and Updating. VI. PROBLEM SOLVING FOR APPLICATION SOFTWARE. 18. Introduction to Application Software. 19. Problem Solving for Word Processing and Desktop Publishing. 20. Problem Solving for Spreadsheets. 21. Document Processing. APPENDICES. A. Formulas commonly Using in Business Applications. B. Sort, Merge, and Search Methods. C. ASCII and EBCDIC Codes for Data Representations. D. Forms to Use in Problem Solving. E. Other Problem Solving Tools. F. UML Concepts. Glossary.