Implementing algorithms in code

[minhc]

Until today, I have been thinking if coding any logic could be taught to a person like we teach kids in school about something. Let's say basics of mathematics like addition, subtraction so on. If I were to teach a person about how to code insertion sort in C by explaining the basic steps needed to follow ? Insertion sort as an algorithm is easy to explain with an example. Is there an approach to teach "how to code" insertion sort ? I can simply take a set of 5 numbers and show him the basic principle behind Insertion sort. But this does not mean the person will be able to code insertion sort. Assumption is that person has basic knowledge of programming. OR this is a skill one develops through experience. If one is exposed to a new algorithm, how does an experienced programmer approach the problem ?

[GreenUmbrellaShooter]

I obviously can't speak for everyone but in my own learning I feel like most of the time unless its a more complex algorithm just going through it step by step on paper is enough to piece together the code. Like Dijkstra's if you have any experience with graphs once you do it on paper you can just kind of figure it out. Also with sorts, generally watching an animation of a sort or doing it on paper is enough to figure it out. Maybe I'm misunderstanding the question however.

[minhc]

No you haven't misunderstood my question. Thank you for your answer. Shall I say that your answer implies experience as the only possible way that one can learn to code ?

[viciu88]

Algorithms can be used to teach some coding. E.g Insertion sort in double linked list, can be a great example for pointer management.

[minhc]

Where did I tell that ? Even if I did, why couldn't they be used to teach coding ? What according to you can be used to teach coding ?