Extract Algorithm

Identify, document, and translate algorithms from research papers into structured pseudocode for implementation planning.

When to Use

• Converting paper algorithms to code
• Understanding computational complexity
• Planning implementation steps
• Documenting algorithm variations

Quick Reference

# Extract text from PDF focusing on algorithms
pdftotext paper.pdf - | grep -A 20 -i "algorithm\|pseudocode" | head -50

# Convert pseudo-code to structured documentation
# Use cleaner formatting with numbered steps

Workflow

1. Locate algorithm: Find algorithm description, pseudocode, or flowchart in paper
2. Document steps: Extract numbered steps or pseudocode from paper
3. Identify inputs/outputs: List parameters, preconditions, postconditions
4. Note special cases: Document edge cases and conditional logic
5. Translate to implementation plan: Convert to implementation checklist

Output Format

Algorithm documentation:

• Algorithm name and source reference
• Inputs (parameters, data types, constraints)
• Outputs (return values, side effects)
• Pseudocode or step-by-step description
• Complexity analysis (time and space)
• Special cases and error handling
• Implementation notes and tips

References

• See analyze-equations skill for mathematical formula extraction
• See identify-architecture skill for understanding algorithm structure
• See CLAUDE.md > Key Development Principles for implementation guidance