Exploring Algorithm Comprehension - Linking Proof and Program Code.

An algorithm consists of the description of a process solving a well-defined problem and a chain of reasoning regarding one or more properties of this process, such as efficiency or correctness. Often, this chain of reasoning is presented as a formal proof. Understanding the links between this reasoning and the process is a critical task for understanding algorithm comprehension. In this article, we present results from a qualitative study in which we explored how and where links between parts of the process and parts of the chain of reasoning are established by a reader attempting to comprehend an algorithm. We relate our findings to research in program and proof comprehension and observe that the connection between process and reasoning introduces another dimension of comprehension not covered by previous work. We identify potential mechanisms in this comprehension process and derive suggestions for how to support comprehension when teaching algorithms.