Computer Program and Program Development 1 Computer Program and Program Development

Computer Program and Program Development

University of Phoenix Online Fundamentals of Programming with Algorithms and Logic PRG 210 Nov 1, 2010

Computer Program and Program Development Introduction Planning a Computer programs is very important, this can make the program structure in a more logical way and ensures the function of the program is what the programmer wanted to accomplish. There are three basic types of programming languages used in creating computer programs; these are the machine language, assembly language, and high-level languages. Each of these programs has negative and positive traits. Program development which comes in a cycle improves the program reliability. The structured and modular approach during the development cycle plays an important role during the cycle. Background Information Computer programs and program development has become so popular and have grown so much branching into different types because of the demand on computer application, games, web and so many to name. Before this new types of program appears the three basic language was already around and helps the new ones improve more than it was and have never change and the cycle remains the same to test the computer programs. The machine language, assembly language and high-level language continues and used as guide for some programmers. Machine language as we know is a computer language that only represents 1 and 0. Those combinations of 1 and 0 are translated by the machine and act as an instruction on what it needs to do. Since this is only language that a computer understands it has the advantage over the other two languages because it can be use on any computer and it will work or function correctly. On the other hand people wont be able to write or read this and this is the reason why the other two was developed.

Assembly language is a low level programming language for computer, microprocessor micro controllers and IC circuits. This language uses symbolic representation of the machine binary code. Assembly language is based on the manufacturer hardware and uses mnemonics which symbolized processing steps or instructions, memory location and other features. The disadvantage of this language is it is machine specific. High level language is user friendly because it hides the details of the abstraction making the program simpler and easy to understand. This language does deal with register, memory address and call stacks; instead it deals with variables, object, arrays, Boolean expression or complex arithmetic. The advantages of this program is portability and it neutral language. Computer programs relationship with central processing unit is that the CPU (central processing unit) act as the heart of a computer system. This means that the execution of each program depends on the CPU speed. The faster the CPU speed the faster the program loads or execute its task. This also determine the speed on how it stores and retrieve data save in the memory. Program Development When programmers write programs the first step is breaking down the steps into sections on how he writes the program. He should define the problem, outline the solution, develop the outline into an algorithm, test algorithm, code algorithm, run the program and document and maintain the program. Each of these steps needs to be thorough done to ensure the programs meet or exceed its expectation. During the part of defining the program an analysis should be done on what input, outputs and processing step are required. These make it easier to determine what is required. Once the problem is define solution can be establish and later becomes the basis for the

algorithm. This time algorithm can be check for its accuracy. When algorithm is accurate it is them translated into a specific program which is later run on the computer using the compiler. Compiler then checks for syntax error and logic error. If the program is free from and of the error then the programmer proceed with documentation which helps in maintaining the program. Structured and Modular Approach Structured and Modular approach is real helpful when creating program requirement, design, and code. A modular design helps or assists in reading and understanding the program. It is like a diagram that shows step and sub step of the process.