2.
0 Program Design
A computer program is a set of instructions written in a programming language for solving a
particular problem.
It is essential that the overall program strategy be completely mapped out before any of the
detailed programming actually takes place. This permits one to concentrate on the general
program logic, without being concerned with the syntactic details of the actual instructions.
2.0 Program Design
A computer program is a set of instructions written in a programming language for solving a
particular problem.
It is essential that the overall program strategy be completely mapped out before any of the
detailed programming actually takes place. This permits one to concentrate on the general
program logic, without being concerned with the syntactic details of the actual instructions.
2.1 Software development cycle
Software- Instructions and documentation
There are two broad categories of software :
System software
Programs that support the execution and development of other programs „
Two major types:
Š Operating systems
Resource allocator
Kernel system
Š Translation systems
o Set of programs used to develop software
o A key component of a translation system is a translator
o Some types of translators:
Editor „
Compiler
Linker
Loader
Debugger
Viewer
Application software
Programs designed to perform specific tasks that are transparent to the user.
Common application software:
„ Word processors
„ Desktop publishing programs
„ Spreadsheets
„ Presentation managers
2.1 Software development cycle
Software- Instructions and documentation
There are two broad categories of software :
System soft ware
Programs that support the execution and development of other programs „
Two major types:
Operating systems
Resource allocator
Kernel system
Translation systems
o Set of programs used to develop software
o A key component of a translation system is a translator
o Some types of translators:
Editor „
Compiler
Linker
Loader
Debugger
Viewer
Application software
Programs designed to perform specific tasks that are transparent to the user.
Common application software:
„ Word processors
„ Desktop publishing programs
„ Spreadsheets
„ Presentation managers
2.2 Software Development Cycle
Source Program
Compile Library routines
Edit Link
Other object files
Figure 2.0 Software Development Cycle
In the initial stages of program development, it is important to first to construct an algorithm.
An algorithm is a finite set of instructions that is followed accomplishes a particular task.
Algorithm can be presented using two ways:
Pseudocode
English like statements for solving a problem
Flowchart
Graphical representation of solving a specific problem.
After designing a program using either a Pseudocode or flowchart, a source code is written in a
programming language using an editor.
The program is then compiled and then executed using an appropriate compiler.
If the program has errors they will be displayed and debugging the program undertaken then the
program compiled and executed again. The process is repeated until appropriate inputs generate the
desired outputs.
If the program is correct, the different types of tests are undertaken.