Pseudocode is an informal way of describing the steps in an algorithm using a mix of conventions of programming languages with informal, usually self-explanatory, notation of actions and conditions. It is a methodology that allows the programmer to represent the implementation of an algorithm. Pseudocode is often used for creating an outline or a rough draft of a program, and it summarizes a programs flow, but excludes underlying details. The purpose of using pseudocode is that it is easier for people to understand than conventional programming language code, and that it is an efficient and environment-independent description of the key principles of an algorithm.

Pseudocode is commonly used in textbooks and scientific publications to document algorithms and in planning of software and other algorithms. It is also used as a bridge between the program and the algorithm or flowchart, and it works as a rough documentation, so the program of one developer can be understood easily when a pseudocode is written out. A programmer who needs to implement a specific algorithm, especially an unfamiliar one, will often start with a pseudocode description, and then "translate" that description into the target programming language and modify it to interact correctly with the rest of the program.

Advantages of pseudocode include improving the readability of any approach, acting as a bridge between the program and the algorithm or flowchart, and working as a rough documentation, so the program of one developer can be understood easily when a pseudocode is written out. Catching errors during the pseudocode stage is less costly than catching them later in the development process. Once the pseudocode is accepted, it can be translated into the vocabulary and syntax of a programming language.

In summary, pseudocode is an informal way of programming description that does not require any strict programming language syntax or underlying technology considerations. It is used for creating an outline or a rough draft of a program, and it summarizes a program’s flow, but excludes underlying details. Pseudocode is often used in textbooks and scientific publications to document algorithms and in planning of software and other algorithms. It is also used as a bridge between the program and the algorithm or flowchart, and it works as a rough documentation, so the program of one developer can be understood easily when a pseudocode is written out.