In pseudocode, what does the following statement do? Set x = random(1, 100)

Pseudocode is a simplified way to present an algorithm without the constraints of formal programming language syntax. It is designed to be human-readable and is used for explaining a program's logic in a step-by-step manner.

Pseudocode does not run on an actual computer but serves as an intermediary between the problem concept and the actual coding. It incorporates basic programming structures like loops, if-then-else statements, and functions, writing them in plain English or a mixture of English and programming terms, which allows for an easy transition to code.

To write effective pseudocode, one should adhere to a consistent format and structure that could easily be translated into a programming language. This includes: defining the start and end of the algorithm, using proper indentation to represent different blocks of code, and sequencing statements in the logical order of execution. For instance, the pseudocode for generating a random number from 1 to 100 is presented as 'Set x = random(1, 100)', which is an intuitive representation of the operation being performed.

In programming, variables are named entities that are used to store data values. Think of them as containers or placeholders that can hold information which may vary or change over time during the execution of a program. The data type of a variable determines what kind of data it can hold, such as integers, strings, or boolean values.

Variables are essential because they allow programmers to write flexible and dynamic code. For instance, when the pseudocode states 'Set x = random(1, 100)', the variable 'x' becomes the carrier of the generated random number. Variables also make it easier to refer to the data they hold, improving code readability and manageability.

Functions in programming are reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task. They are defined once and can be invoked or called multiple times within a program, potentially with different input values. Functions can take parameters, perform operations, and return a result.

The 'random(1, 100)' in the given pseudocode is an example of a function. This function generates a random number between the specified limits, 1 and 100 in this case. Functions abstract complexity by encapsulating logic, which allows for simplifying complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks.

Understanding how functions work is vital to grasping computer programming's modular design, promoting code reuse, and facilitating debugging and program maintenance.