# Are algorithm questions asking for pseudocode acceptable?

For instance, if I ask for an algorithm in pseudocode to compute GCD by the Euclidean algorithm in $\textbf{Z}[\sqrt{7}]$?

• In my experience, most questions in MSE asking for algorithms are questions from on-going programming contests. If I found proof that such a question was from a contest, I would vote to close it. – Joel Reyes Noche Jul 7 '16 at 0:21

Algorithms for mathematical problems are part of mathematics. A standard way to present algorithms in the mathematics literature is via pseudocode.

Thus, there is no a priori reason why this should not be acceptable.

However, the standard rules for asking questions apply. For example if the entire question would read:

Write pseudocode to compute GCD by the Euclidean algorithm in $\textbf{Z}[\sqrt{7}]$.

Then this would not be suitable question.

I am trying to understand and possibly will implement the computation of GCD via the Euclidean algorithm in $\textbf{Z}[\sqrt{7}]$. I understand the Euclidean algorithm over the integers and implemented it some time ago. I also feel I understand the idea of the algorithm in principle. However, I have difficulty to pin down the details of {more details}.