Breaking down problems

Start with the outcome

Before typing code, state in one sentence what success looks like. Example: "Print the largest number in a list."

Split into sub-problems

1. Get input (list of numbers)
2. Track the largest so far
3. Loop and compare
4. Print result

Edge cases

• Empty list?
• One item?
• Negative numbers?

Practice

Break it down

Problem: count how many words in a sentence start with a vowel. Write steps in plain English only — no code required.

0% complete

Your steps (plain English)

Check when done

I stated what success looks like in one sentence Steps cover getting input, checking each word, and reporting a count I noted at least one edge case (empty sentence, punctuation, etc.)