Procedure-Oriented
Programming
Introduction
In the procedure oriented approach, the problem is viewed as the sequence of things to be
done such as reading, calculating and printing.
e.g. COBOL, FORTRAN and C.
Procedure oriented programming basically consists of writing a list of instructions for the
computer to follow, and organizing these instructions into groups known as functions.
The primary focus is on functions.
Introduction
Drawbacks with Procedure-Oriented Approach
While we concentrate on the development of functions, very little attention is
given to the data that are being used by various functions.
What happens to the data?
How are they affected by the functions that works on
them?
Drawbacks with Procedure-Oriented Approach
In a multi-function program, many important data items are placed as global so that they
may be accessed by all the functions. Each function may have its own local data.
Drawbacks with Procedure-Oriented Approach
Global data are more vulnerable to an inadvertent change by a function.
In a large program it is very difficult to identify what data is used by which function.
In case we need to revise an external data structure, we also need to revise all functions that
access the data.
This provides an opportunity for bugs to creep in.
Drawbacks with Procedure-Oriented Approach
Another serious drawback with the procedural approach is that we do not model real world
problems very well.
Characteristics of Procedure-Oriented
Programming
Emphasis is on doing things (algorithms).
Large programs are divided into smaller programs known as functions.
Most of the functions share global data.
Data move openly around the system from function to function.
Functions transform data from one form to another.
Employs top-down approach in program design.
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