Pseudocode is a simplified, informal way of representing algorithms using a structured but human-readable format. It combines natural language with programming constructs to outline the logic of a program without adhering to the syntax of any specific programming language. Pseudocode is useful for planning and communicating algorithms, as it allows developers to focus on the logic rather than language-specific details. It is often used in the early stages of software development to clarify thoughts and design before actual coding begins.