Programming concepts of C Language

Programming concepts based on C language in easy language

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS

A set of instructions which describes the steps to be followed in order to carry out an activity is called an algorithm or procedure. If the algorithm is written in the computer’s language then the set of instructions is a program . The task of writing a computer program involves going through several stages only one of which requires instructions to be written in the computer’s  own language. So programming requires more than just writing programs.

Computers are machines that follows the instructions given to them. Great care must therefore be taken when writing a program to ensure that the computer which uses the program does what it is intended to do. We cannot instruct a computer to do a task if:

1. We are not clear in our own mind exactly what we are going to do.

2. We have not already worked out for ourselves how the task should be done.

Therefore understanding the problem and planning the solution are the two important stages for a programmer which leads to better, quick and accurate results.

AIMS OF PROGRAMMING

The general aims when writing a program may include:

1. Reliability i.e. , the program we develop is dependent to do what it is supposed to do.

2. Maintainability i.e., the program will be easy to change or modify when the need arises.

3. Portability i.e., the program will be transferable to a different computer with a minimum of modification.

4. Readability i.e., the program will be easy for a programmer to read and understand.

5. Performance i.e., the program causes the tasks to be done quickly and efficiently.

6. Storage Saving i.e., the program is not allowed to be unnecessarily lengthy.

WHAT DOES A PROGRAM DO?

A good program can:

Accept data from an input device (INPUT).

Manipulate the data suitably (PROCESS).

Store the data for further use (STORAGE).

Present the results of this processing as its output (OUTPUT).

STAGES IN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

In the process of producing the necessary instructions while making a program , a series of well-defined steps are  carried out which are as follows:

1. Review the input, processing, output and storage requirement for the program.

2. Develop the logic for the program.

3. Write the program using a programming language.

4. Test and debug the program.

5. complete the program documentation.