Sparc Pseudocode

Quick Start

# Invoke SPARC Pseudocode phase

# Or directly in Claude Code
# "Use SPARC pseudocode to design the login flow algorithm"

When to Use

• Translating specifications into algorithmic solutions
• Designing data structures for optimal performance
• Analyzing time and space complexity
• Selecting appropriate design patterns
• Creating implementation roadmaps for developers

Prerequisites

• Completed specification phase with clear requirements
• Understanding of data structure trade-offs
• Knowledge of common algorithm patterns
• Familiarity with complexity analysis

Core Concepts

SPARC Pseudocode Phase

The Pseudocode phase bridges specifications and implementation:

1. Design algorithmic solutions - Language-agnostic logic
2. Select optimal data structures - Based on access patterns
3. Analyze complexity - Time and space requirements
4. Identify design patterns - Reusable solutions
5. Create implementation roadmap - Guide for developers

Complexity Classes

Implementation Pattern

Algorithm Structure

ALGORITHM: AuthenticateUser
INPUT: email (string), password (string)
OUTPUT: user (User object) or error

BEGIN
    // Validate inputs
    IF email is empty OR password is empty THEN
        RETURN error("Invalid credentials")
    END IF

*See sub-skills for full details.*
### Data Structure Selection

DATA STRUCTURES:

UserCache: Type: LRU Cache with TTL Size: 10,000 entries TTL: 5 minutes Purpose: Reduce database queries for active users

Operations:

See sub-skills for full details.

Algorithm Patterns

PATTERN: Rate Limiting (Token Bucket)

ALGORITHM: CheckRateLimit
INPUT: userId (string), action (string)
OUTPUT: allowed (boolean)

CONSTANTS:
    BUCKET_SIZE = 100
    REFILL_RATE = 10 per second

*See sub-skills for full details.*

## Metrics & Success Criteria

- All algorithms have documented complexity
- Subroutines are clearly defined
- Data structures are justified with operations
- Design patterns are identified where applicable
- Pseudocode is language-agnostic

## Integration Points

### MCP Tools

```javascript
// Store pseudocode phase completion
  action: "store",
  key: "sparc/pseudocode/algorithms",
  namespace: "coordination",
  value: JSON.stringify({
    algorithms: ["AuthenticateUser", "CheckRateLimit"],
    patterns: ["strategy", "observer"],
    complexity: "O(log n)",
    timestamp: Date.now()
  })
}

Hooks

# Pre-pseudocode hook

# Post-pseudocode hook

Related Skills

• sparc-specification - Previous phase: requirements
• sparc-architecture - Next phase: system design
• sparc-refinement - TDD implementation phase

References

• Big O Notation
• Design Patterns

Version History

• 1.0.0 (2026-01-02): Initial release - converted from agent to skill format

Sub-Skills

• Configuration
• Example 1: Search Algorithm (+2)
• Best Practices

Sub-Skills

• Execution Checklist
• Error Handling