Pseudocode Style Guide

Structure of a Function

Every pseudocode function has exactly three parts: input, output, and body. Use Python-like syntax: def for the function signature, a docstring-style comment block for input and output, and indented body lines.

def function_name(param1, param2, ...):
    # input:  <what each param represents>
    # output: <what the function returns or produces>

    <body>

Body Rules

The body is the core of the pseudocode. Each line is a pythonic, non-functional call that names the operation and its operands -- not English prose. Invent clear, intuitive method or function names. The goal is code that reads like intent, not implementation.