A computer program is a series of instructions that directs a computer to perform tasks. These instructions are created by a programmer using a programming language.
The machine language is the first generation of programming languages. This is the only language the computer directly recognize.
Assembly language is the second generation of programming languages. The programmer writes instructions using symbolic instruction code. A source program contains the code to be converted to machine language.
In a procedural language, the programmer writes instructions that tell the computer what to accomplish and how to do it. Such as the third-generation language
The C programming language is used to write many of today's programs.
COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is designed for business applications, but easy to read because of the English-like statements.
Object-Oriented Programming Languages and Program Development Tools
An object-oriented programming language allows programmers the ability to reuse and modify existing objects. Other advantages include :
- Objects can be reused
- Programmers create applications faster
- Work well in a RAD environment
- Most program development tools are IDE's
Java is an object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Micro-systems. The Just-in-time compiler converts the byte-code into machine-dependent code.
C++ is an extension of the C programming language.
C# is based on C++ and was developed by Microsoft.
F# combines the benefits of an object-oriented language with those of a functional language.
Visual Studio is Microsoft's suite of program development tools. Visual Basic is based on the BASIC programming language. Visual C++ is based on C++. Visual C# combines the programming elements of C++ with an easier, rapid-development environment.
Power Builder is a powerful program development RAD tool. Best suited for Web-based, .NET, and large-scale enterprise object-oriented applications.
Web Page Development
Web browsers can execute short programs to add interactive elements to Web pages. To send and receive information between your computer and a web server, these programs use the CGI.
Programmers write scripts, applets, servlets, or ActiveX controls using a variety of languages.
Web 2.0 allows web sites to provide a means for users to share personal information, allows users to modify web site content, and to have a application software built into the site. Most Web 2.0 uses API's. An API enables programmers to interact with an environment such as a web site or operating system.
Web page authoring software can create sophisticated Web pages that include images, video, audio, animation, and other effects. Multimedia authoring software, however, allows programmers to combine text, graphics, animation, audio, and video in an interactive presentation.
Program Development
Program development consists of a series of steps programmers use to build computer programs.
Step 1 - Analyze Requirements : To initiate program development, programmer must first review the requirements. Next, the programmer have to meet up with the systems analyst and users. And then identify the input, processing, and output.
Step 2 - Design Solution : A solution algorithm must be designed. In structured design, the programmer typically begins with a general design and moves toward a more detailed design. Programmers often use a hierarchy chart to show program modules graphically. With object-oriented design, the programmer packages the data and the program into a single object. This is also known as encapsulation. A program flowchart graphically shows the logic in a solution algorithm.
Step 3 - Validate Design : Check for logic errors using test data.
Step 4 - Implement Design : Implementation of the design includes using a program development tool that assists the programmer by generating or providing some or all code, writing the code that translates the design into a computer program, or creating the user interface.
Step 5 - Test solution : The goal of program testing is to make sure that the programs runs accordingly and that is is error free. Errors includes syntax errors and logic errors. Debugging the program involves removing the bugs. A beta is a program that has most or all of its features and functionality implemented.
Step 6 - Document Solution : In documenting the solution, the programmer performs two activities, which is reviewing the program code, and reviewing all the documentation.
No comments:
Post a Comment