FC0-U71 Software Development Concepts Practice Question
A programmer writes a step-by-step description of a solution in plain English without using any specific programming language syntax. What is this description called?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the distinction between pseudocode and a flowchart—candidates may confuse the textual step-by-step nature of pseudocode with the graphical symbols of a flowchart.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Pseudocode
Pseudocode is a plain-language, step-by-step description of an algorithm that uses programming-like constructs but no specific language syntax. It is used to plan logic before coding. Source code is actual code in a programming language, a bug report documents defects, and a flowchart uses symbols to represent flow.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Source code
Why it's wrong here
Source code is written in a specific programming language with strict syntax, so it contradicts the stem's plain-English, language-agnostic requirement. It is tempting because source code also expresses a step-by-step solution, but it is the coded implementation, not the pre-coding design description called pseudocode.
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Bug report
Why it's wrong here
A bug report documents a defect observed during testing or production, not a solution design. It is tempting because both artefacts are written in plain language, but a bug report records symptoms and reproduction steps, whereas the stem describes an algorithm independent of syntax — that is pseudocode.
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Flowchart
Why it's wrong here
A flowchart is a diagrammatic notation using standard symbols and arrows to depict control flow; it is a visual design artefact, not a plain-English textual description. The stem describes pseudocode, which expresses logic in structured natural language without language-specific syntax. A flowchart would be correct if the question asked for a graphical representation.
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Pseudocode
Why this is correct
Pseudocode expresses an algorithm's logic in structured plain English, free of any language's syntax rules, so it can be read and verified by anyone. This directly satisfies the stem's constraint: a step-by-step solution description written without language-specific syntax.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.