Designing a computer program takes time and effort but it can be extremely rewarding. This is because a well-designed computer program can help to solve a problem that exists. In order to ensure that the design of a program is optimized, there are different steps in the process that a programmer needs to follow.
If you feel that this sounds like a role you would be interested in, you may want to study to become a programmer. Students in New South Wales and other parts of the country may be able to get financial assistance to do this. So, what is the process that these students learn?
Recognizing the problem that exists
If a programmer is going to design a well-thought-out program, it’s not good enough to simply know that there is a problem. They need to analyze the problem and fully understand what they need to do to solve it. Having this information will help them to decide on the design of the program and which language should be used.
Creating an algorithm
The algorithm is the procedure or formula which will be used to solve the problem. The programmer needs to create this algorithm in order to have a basis for designing the computer program. Obviously, it’s important that the programmer gets this algorithm correct in order to ensure that the program works effectively.
Writing the program
Once the algorithm is in place, the programmer can start to write the program. This part of the process is also known as coding as the program is produced using a high-level computer-based language known as code.
Testing the program
The completed program cannot simply be presented to the user; it has to be tested before this happens. This part of the process is referred to as the test execution. It’s during this testing that the programmer can check to see if the program works as it should. It’s important that the program is free from errors and that the logic of the program is sound. This testing phase is one of the most important parts of the process as it’s the time when any issues can be identified.
Debugging the program
There is no point identifying issues with the program if they are not addressed. This is what happens during the debugging part of the process. Debugging involves locating and correcting any bugs that are present in the program. This often takes a lot of effort from the programmer because it’s often necessary to run the program several times before all bugs are eradicated.
Completing final documentation
A programmer documents the entire process of creating a new computer program. Once the program is complete and has been fully tested and debugged, the final documentation is completed. This includes information about how the program should be used. At this point, the program is handed over to the user.
This is the process that a computer programmer follows each time they develop a new program. It helps to ensure that programs are well designed and that they operate to full effectiveness.
