Overall view

Programs

• Program ia s list of instructions for the computer to follow to acomplish the task of processing data into information.

Programming

• Programming, also known as software development, is a six-step procedure for creating the list of instructions.
• The six steps are program specification, program design, program code, program test, program documentation, and program maintenance.



Software development



Step 1: Program Specification 

• also called program definition or program analysis
• requires that the programmer and end user to specify five items: program's objectives, desired output, input data required, processing requirements, and documentation
• objectives is the problems you are trying to solve

Step 2: Program Design

• plan a program, preferably using structured programming techniques
• these techniques are top-down program design, pseudocode, flowcharts, and logic structures
• in top-down design, major processing steps, called program modules, are identified
• in pseudocode, a narrative expression of the logic of the program is written
• in program flowcharts, graphic representation of the steps needed to solve the programming program is drawn
• in logic structures, three arrangements are used in program flowcharts to write structured programs

Step 3: Program Code

• writing the program is called coding
• one of the best ways to code effective programs is to write so-called structured programs
• Content-markup language: uses symbols, words, and phrases that instruct a computer how to structure information for display or processing
• Programming language: uses a collection of symbols, words, and phrases that instruct computer to perform specific operations

Step 4: Program Test

• debugging refers to the process of testing and then eliminating errors
• running the program on a computer and then fixing the parts that do not work
• programming errors are syntax errors and logic errors
• Syntax error: a violation of the rules of the programming language
• Logic error: occurs when the programmer uses an incorrect calculation or leaves out a programming procedures
• Testing methods are
• Desk checking
• Manually testing with sample data
• Attempt at translation
• Testing sample data on the computer
• Testing by a select group of potential users

Step 5: Program Documentation

• Documentation: consists of written descriptions and procedures about a program and how to use it
• carried on throughtout all the programming steps
• typically within the program itself and in printed documents
• all the prior documentation is reviewd, finalized, and distributed
• important for users, operators and programmers

Step 6: Program Maintenance

• to ensure that current programs are operating error free, efficiently, and effectively
• activities in this step are operations and changing needs
• Operations: concern locating and correcting operational errors, marking programs easier to use, and standardizing software using structured programming techniques
• Changing needs: Programs need to be adjusted for a variety reasons, including new tax laws, new information needs, and new company plocicies as the changing needs is unavoidable