Computer Programming

Computer Programming


     ¨       Refers to the process of writing a computer program, which is a series of instructions written in proper sequence to solve a
            specific problem.

     ¨       The Five Major Steps:

   ü    Problem definition

   ü    Program design

   ü    Writing the code and program documentation

   ü    Alpha testing

   ü    Beta testing and program documentation


     PROBLEM OR FUNCTION SPECIFICATION

  ü      is the most critical step in the programming

  ü       must analyze and outline in detail the scope of the problem and all the elements needed to solve it

  ü      Ex. Calculate the cost of nursing visit to C by totalling the cost of nurse A and cost of supplies of B.


    PROGRAM DESIGN SPECIFICATION

  ü  Two types of specification:

     Ø      Set of functional specifications

                      ·   used to ensure that both the system designer and the people who have contracted for the designer's services share the
                         same understanding 

     Ø      design specification

                      ·   prepared by the system analyst after consultation with the customer about the functional specs

  ü      System analyst

                 → It is his job to ensure that the programmer’s instructions not only fully meet the functional specs, but also help the
                      programmer prepare a program that runs smoothly


    PROGRAM PREPARATION

  ü      Entails translating the design specifications into the programming language to be used.

  ü    The programming language selected must not just be appropriate but  must be translated by the computer for which it is
              written.

  ü    The process of error correction is called “debugging”.


    DOCUMENTATION

  ü     Two types of documentation should be produced:

    v      The program should be designed in a highly structured, top – down manner, and the lines of the code should be liberally
                        sprinkled with explanatory statements.

    v      User’s manual


    PROGRAM TESTING

  ü     Testing occurs during and after coding

  ü     Two types of testing:

            1.  System analyst checks the program in a process called “alpha testing” or “desk checking”.

            2.  Second level of testing is called “beta testing”

                - the program is installed in the actual user environment


    PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

  ü     The program is implemented in the beta site.

  ü      This step is where user – related problems are discovered.


    Final word of caution:

      ©     Users may design screens and report formats, but they must be aware that all copyrights remain with the software package
            creators.