Pseudocode and trace tables · CS 0478 / 9618 Simulation

About this lab: Pseudocode and trace tables

Interactive simulation for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 topics 7 and 8 and AS & A Level 9618 topics 9 to 11 and 19.2: run Cambridge pseudocode line by line and watch the trace table fill in, with totalling, counting, linear search and bubble sort, validation with normal, abnormal, extreme and boundary test data, find-the-error programs, procedures, functions, strings, 2D arrays, text files, BYREF parameters and recursion. Edit the code and run your own.

IGCSE Computer Science 0478, topics 7 and 8, and A-Level 9618, topics 9 to 11. Step through Cambridge pseudocode one line at a time while the trace table fills in: loops, standard methods, validation and test data, finding errors, procedures and functions, arrays and files, then BYREF, CASE ranges and recursion for A-Level.

Pseudocode and trace tables is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 (topic 7 Algorithm design and problem-solving; topic 8 Programming). The same lab serves both Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 and AS & A Level Computer Science 9618; tabs marked A-Level go beyond the IGCSE syllabus. The course is assessed in Paper 1 (Computer Systems), Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic). Syllabus for examination in 2026-2028. There are 7 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

7 (1-2) Program development life cycle, decomposition and design methods. Lessons: The program development life cycle, Decomposition, structure diagrams, flowcharts and pseudocode.
7 (3-4) The purpose of an algorithm and standard methods of solution. Lessons: Standard methods: linear search and bubble sort, Standard methods: totalling, counting, maximum, minimum and average.
7 (5-6) Validation, verification and test data. Lessons: Validation and verification checks, Normal, abnormal, extreme and boundary test data.
7 (7-9) Trace tables, finding errors and writing algorithms. Lessons: Dry-running algorithms with trace tables, Finding and correcting errors in algorithms, Writing and amending algorithms.
8.1 Programming concepts. Lessons: Variables, constants and data types, Sequence and selection: IF and CASE, Iteration: count-controlled, pre-condition and post-condition loops, String handling.
8.2 Arrays. Lessons: One-dimensional arrays, Two-dimensional arrays and nested loops.
8.3 File handling. Lessons: Reading from and writing to files.
9618 8.1 Programming concepts. Lessons: Variables, constants and data types, Sequence and selection: IF and CASE, Iteration: count-controlled, pre-condition and post-condition loops.
9618 8.2 Arrays. Lessons: One-dimensional arrays, Two-dimensional arrays and nested loops.
9618 8.3 File handling. Lessons: Reading from and writing to files.
9618 9.1 Computational Thinking Skills. Lessons: Abstraction and decomposition.
9618 9.2 Algorithms. Lessons: Structured English, flowcharts and pseudocode, Stepwise refinement.
9618 11.1 Programming Basics. Lessons: Variables, constants and built-in functions.
9618 11.2 Constructs. Lessons: Selection and iteration constructs.
9618 11.3 Structured Programming. Lessons: Procedures and functions, Passing parameters by value and by reference.

Full syllabus map: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 topic 7, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 topic 8, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 topic 8, A Level Computer Science 9618 topic 9 and A Level Computer Science 9618 topic 11.

How to use this simulation

1. Sequence, selection, iteration.
2. Standard methods.
3. Validation and test data.
4. Find the error.
5. Procedures, functions, strings.
6. Arrays and files.
7. 9618 pseudocode.
The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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