Program Development

A program is a list of instructions in a specific language to tell the computer to do the job in sequence The problem is first analyzed The problem solutions get converted into programs. But for the conversion, there is a process of programming Programming is a process for the development of a program for a specific problem. Whenever any problem has to be converted into a program, then its process has the following steps: 

1. Program Analysis
2. Design
3. Coding
4. Testing 
5. Documentation

• Make sure you have a written description of what the program should do
• Understand the problem and try solving it manually first.
• Figure out what input data is needed.
• Know where the input data will come from.
• Note down any special rules, formulas, or business conditions needed in the program.

Generally every program needs four areas involved in program analysis 

1. Input 
2. Output
3. Storage
4. Process

1) Input : First find out what information you need to give to the program to get the right output and check where the data is coming from. Is data relatable or not ?

2) Output : The output of the program comes from the written definition of the requirements. The result of the final program output should be displayed in form of reports or screen displays 

3) Storage : If there is a requirement for storage, it will be found in the program If there is no output needed, then there will be always storage requirement 

4) Process : It is the final step to analyze the program decides what actions , calculations and logic behind the program needs to be done with the input to produce output 

• After understanding the completely analyzed program, the next step is to design the solution of the program. Easiest way to break the project into small modules so one can design the logic for each part of the program 
• Some programmers start with the beginning (e.g., input and setup) and end part (e.g., output and results). These parts are simpler and help to create a structure for the program. 
• Other prefer starting with middle, which is the main logic of the program where calculations , decisions, loops happens This part is most important and complex of the program 
• Starting in the middle helps you focus on the core part and if you get stuck, you can work on easier parts meanwhile
• It allows a subconscious mind more time to think about the purpose of the program this helps to see the solution sooner 

Coding :

• Coding programs is the process of translating a program design into an appropriate computer programming language.
• If the program design is short, then start coding from the top and work sequentially through the design. Translate each step of design into one or more statements of the language.
• Need to take care of typing mistakes while writing a program. In top-to-bottom coding, the program cannot be tested until it gets correctly entered.

Testing 

• After Coding, the next step is to test the program make sure all required data files are present in correct drive that are defined inside program
• Programmer has to test the program to check whether it is executing or not if any error occurs, then programmer has to correct it and verification is also important of programs 

The program has to be maintained for developer as well as user documentation of program So there are two types of documentation 

1. Developer's Document 
2. User's Document 

1) Developer's Documentation : In this type, all information related to program codes, designing methods, and testing methods is maintained. It consists of the following items : 

• A copy of the original, written specifications for the program and a written copy of input, output, process, and storage analysis.
• Complete definition of all files, records, and fields used by the program.
• Mappings of all variable names used in programs to the facts they represent.
• Copy of flowcharts, pseudocode, or other tools used to design the program. 
• A printed copy of Testing reports with all types of possible inputs and all possible output reports or screens 

2) User's Documentation: It is user manual information related to operating programs, input parameters, and output parameters that is maintained. User documentation consists of information needed to successfully utilise all of the capabilities of the program.