| The steps in the development of each of the computer programs that make up the computer program component of a system are: define the function of the program; plan the logic of the program; code the program; test and debug the program; complete the documentation. |
Although the programmer is responsible for writing the computer program, the system analyst must communicate the computer program requirements to the programmer. The function of each program was defined for the programmer when functions were allocated during system design. Detailed data flow diagrams (DFD) are prepared for each program from the decomposed DFDs created during the design phase. These DFDs define the function of each program.
In program planning, the logic to be used to solve the problem is developed. Algorithms, computer program logic flowcharts, and structure charts are useful tools for program planning. Algorithms are sets of rules or instructions used to accomplish tasks. They may be stated as formulas, decision tables, or narratives.
The next step, writing, or coding, a program, is the actual writing of computer instructions. These instructions will be translated to machine code and followed by the computer; they should follow the steps of the program logic plan.
Several programming languages, particularly COBOL, PL/I, and RPG, are commonly used to solve business problems. In addition to these traditional languages, organizations using database management systems may choose to generate programs using the query language of the DBMS.
These query languages are part of a package of programming tools known as fourth-generation languages. Each language has its advantages and disadvantages. Most computer installations have a standard language used by their programmers. Programmers usually are not given a choice of language unless some special circumstances exist.
Testing and debugging a program involve:
translating the coded program into machine language, a process called compilation;
testing the translated program with sample data and checking the result.
If the results of testing are not correct, the program is said to have "bugs". Debugging is the process of correcting computer programs to obtain correct results.
The last step is to complete the documentation for the program. The documentation must include a statement of the purpose of the program, a description of the solution logic, a listing of the program instructions, and sample outputs from the completed programs. Information provided to the programmer by the analyst, such as descriptions of program inputs, outputs, and files, should be included. Instructions to operators explaining how the program is to be used must be written before the program documentation is completed.
Task 14. There are answers to questions about the text. Write the questions.
1. There are five main steps in the computer program development.
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2. For writing the computer program.
3. It is developed in program planning.
4. As formulas, decision tables, or narratives.
5. Yes, it is the actual writing of computer instructions.
6. No, programmers usually are not given a choice of languages.
7. It is called compilation.
8. When the results of testing are not correct.
9. To obtain correct results.
10. They must be written before the program documentation is complete.
Task 15. Choose the correct word to complete each sentence. You may have to change some words slightly.
compilation, compiler, compile, compiled
1. It took weeks __________ the new customer database.
2. A source program cannot be directly processed by the computer until it has been __________.
3. If the errors are removed and the program re-run, the process of __________ starts all over again, but this time the __________ program will be executed.
4. A computer needs its own __________ for the various high-level languages if it is expected to accept programs written in those languages.
program, programmer, programming, programmable
1. The __________ CD-player allows the user to change the order tracks are played in.
2. She __________ the VCR to come on at eight.
3. Most computer __________ make a plan of the program before they write it. This plan is called a flowchart.
4. It is unusual for a __________ to work correctly the first time it is tested.
bug, debug, debugger debugging
1. The best compilers usually include an integrated __________ which detects syntax errors.
2. New programs need __________ to make them work properly.
3. Once you have written your program you have to test it with sample data to see if there are any __________ or errors.
instruction, instruct, instructed, instructor
1. The next step is to design an algorithm, which is a step-by-step plan of __________ used to solve the problem.
2. We have been __________ that a decision will not be made before the end of the week.
3. Our maths __________ explained to us the principles of binary arithmetic.
Task 16. Work in pairs and translate the following poem by Gene Ziegler into Ukrainian.
Programmers
10 young programmers began to work online,
One didnt pay for Internet, and then there were 9.
9 young programmers used copies that they made,
But one was caught by FBI, and then there were 8.
8 young programmers discussed about heaven,
One said, Its Windows 95, and then there were 7.
7 young programmers found bugs they want to fix,
But one was fixed by the bug, and then there were 6.
6 young programmers were testing the hard drive,
One got the string Format complete, and then there were 5.
5 young programmers were running the Front Door,
The BBS of one was hacked, and then there were 4.
4 young programmers worked using only C,
One said some good about Pascal, and then there were 3.
3 young programmers didnt know what to do,
One tried to call the on-line help, and then there were 2.
2 young programmers were testing what they done,
One got a virus in his brain, and then there were 1.
1 young programmer was as mighty as a hero,
But tried to speak with users, and then there were 0.
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Boss cried: Oh, where is the program we must have?!
And fired one programmer, and then there were 10.
WORD FORMATION
Suffixes
Most Common Suffixes
1. -able, ible = can be done: identifiable, predictable
2. -al, ial = has property of: personal
3. -ant = having an effect: coolant, accelerant
4. based = forming a major part of: computer-based, oil-based
5. cy = state or quality: accuracy, literacy, urgency
6. -ed* = past verb: turned
7. ee = person affected by something: interviewee, trainee, addressee
8. -en = made of: golden
9. -er = comparative: higher
10. -er = one who: doer, actor
11. -est = superlative: best, biggest
12. free = without: debt-free, pain-free
13. ful = full of: careful, joyful
14. hood = state, condition, period: adulthood, motherhood
15. ic = having property of, connected with: linguistic, photographic, electric
16. ics = study of: genetics, electronics
17. ify = give something a quality: clarify, purify, solidify
18. ing* = present participle: running
19. ism = belief, behaviour: modernism, heroism
20. ist = person with specific beliefs or behaviour: anarchist, optimist
21. (t)ion = act, process: action
22. (i)ty = state of: infinity, sanity
23. (t)ive = adjective: motive, votive
24. ize, -ise = bring about a state or condition: modernize/modernize, colonize/colonise
25. less = without: fearless, careless, childless, meaningless
26. like = resembling: bird-like, child-like, hook-like
27. ly* = having: quickly, quietly
28. ment = action, process: enjoyment
29. ness = quality or state of: kindness, effectiveness, openness
30. ocracy = type of ruling body: meritocracy, bureaucracy
31. ocrat = person ruling: technocrat, aristocrat
32. ology, -ological = study of: archaeology, biology, biological, geology, physiological
33. ous = having: joyous, religious
34. proof = protected against, safe from: waterproof, dustproof
35. s* = more than one: books
36. ship = state or experience of having a specific position: professorship, leadership
37. y = having: happy, windy
