1. Computer Systems Software Lesson 14

2. 1 Defining the Problem 5. Documentation The Programming Cycle 2 Planning the Solution 4 Checking out the program 3 Coding the Solution

3. 1. Defining the Problem The task of problem definition is one of making sure what has to be done or what problem has to be solved

4. 2. Planning the Solution This commonly involves determining the sequence of processing steps within individual programs. To save on time and effort, the programmer refers to a pictorial representation , the program flow chart. The flowchart is an all-purpose tool and a program blueprint.

5. 3. Coding the Solution At this stage , the programmer converts the steps depicted in the program flow chart into readable instructions that make up the actual program. Coding can be written at different levels , ranging from machine language to high-level programming languages.

6. 4. Checking out the program Debugging is the task of finding program errors ( bugs) and correcting them so that the program runs correctly. Type of errors in programming Clerical errors – occur in the coding or data entry process. Logical errors – they occur because the programmer does not thoroughly understand a phase of the problem to be solved.

7. 5. Documentation The technical documentation includes: Complete statement of the problem Description of the program logic and copies of the flow charts Final source listing List and description of error tests along with the disposition of these errors Operating instructions, including programs and data structures and test data used.

8. 5. Documentation Input and output specifications Schedules to be maintained