Program Development Process

Define/Understand Problem
  • State the output requirements - What are you trying to do?
  • Identify the available input - What are you given to work with?
  • Determine necessary processing - What do you have to do with or to the available input to produce the desired output?

Design the user interface

 Create a prototype of what the user will see on the screen while they are using the program. Typically this is done in collaboration with the user.

Develop the logic
  • Decompose into smaller segments
  • Design Tools
                 Structure Charts
                 Flowchart -- Pictorial representation of a program solution
                            Symbols
                            Flowchart example
                 Pseudo code - Solution to programming task that is language independent
                            Pseudo code Example
  • Walkthrough / Desk check the logic 

Code / Write the program

Compile Program

Syntax Errors --- A violation of the rules of the language.

Example: Pint "Hello World" (Print is misspelled)

Logic Errors --- When a program does exactly what it is told to do but not what the programmer intended it to do.

Example: GrossPay = PayRate / HoursWorked

Document the Program

 Programs should contain internal documentation that explain, as necessary, the purpose of the program, procedures and statements. Using good programming techniques create programs that are self-documenting.

Necessary user documentation (user manuals, procedure manuals, etc.) must also be created.

Test Program

 When testing a program the developer must always know the expected (correct) output or program behavior BEFORE they test the program. They must design test data that fully tests the program.

Maintenance

Make changes or enhancements to programs as needed or requested.