Friday, September 12, 2014

1.4.1 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

     1.      Understand the problem
·         The problem should be clearly defined. It is divided into three components:
ü      Input
ü      Output
ü      Processing
·         Programmers should clearly understand, “what are the inputs to the program”, “what is expected as output”, and “how to process inputs to generate necessary outputs”.

2.      Outline the solution
The programmer should define the major steps required to solve the problem, any subtasks, the major variables and data structures that are to be used in the program, and most importantly the underlined logic.

3.      Develop the algorithm
The algorithm lays out a segment of precise steps that describes exactly the tasks to be performed and the order in which they are to be carried out to solve a problem.

4.      Test the algorithm for correctness
·         The programmer must make sure that the algorithm is correct.
·         The objective is to identify major logic errors early, so that they may be easily corrected.
·         Test data should be applied to each step, to check whether the algorithm actually does what it is supposed to.

5.      Code the algorithm
After all the design considerations have been met and when the algorithm has been finalized, the code is written in a suitable programming language.

6.      Compile
·         While compiling syntax errors can be identified.
·         If there are no syntax errors, the program gets compiled and it produces an executable program.

7.      Run the program
·         Executable program generated after compiling can then be executed.
·         While the program is running, runtime errors and sometimes logic errors cab be identified, which are corrected accordingly.

8.      Test, document and maintain the program
·         Test the running program using the test data to make sure program is producing correct output.
·         All the steps involved in developing the program algorithm and code should be documented for future reference.
·         Programmers should also maintain and update the program according to new or changing requirements.

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