Program Development

Program analysis is a programming process. A program is a list of instructions in a specific language to tell the computer to do the job in sequence. The programming process consists of 5 steps.
1. Problem analysis
2. Design
3. Coding
4. Testing
5. Documentation

1. Problem Analysis:
One should have a complete definition of the problem, and the requirements should be clear before writing the solution. Generally, every program needs input, output, storage, and processing.

• Input: Inputs to be supplied for the program.
• Output: Outputs means in what form output is required. It represents the computer solution to the given problem.
• Storage: If output is there, the storage is required, i.e., O/P has to be stored in some form. Input parameters are also required to be stored.
• Process: Now the events should be executed and applied to each input to produce output.

2. Design:

Once the program requirements are completely understood and analysed, the next step is to design a solution. It is the easiest way to break a project into small pieces and helps in designing logic effectively.

Designing approach followed by the programmers:

• Some developers prefer to design easy parts first. This helps get simple sections "out of the way." They also often design the beginning and end of the program first.
• Many experienced programmers begin with the middle section, which is the core purpose of the program. If stuck, you can switch to easier parts to stay productive.

3. Coding:

• Coding programs is the process of translating your program design into the appropriate computer programming language.
• If program design is short, then start coding from the top and work sequentially through the design.
• In top-to-bottom coding, the program cannot be tested until all the code is completely entered.

4. Testing:

After coding, the next step is to test the program to see if the code is executing correctly or not; if any errors occur, the user has to correct them. In testing, verification is important.

5. Documentation:

Documentation is the written information about a program that must be maintained for developers and users. It ensures both technical and non-technical users can work with software.

Types of documentation

1. Programmer's (Developer's) Documentation
2. User Documentation

1. Programmer's (Developer's) Documentation
The programmer documentations consist of the following items:

1.  Requirements and specifications of document
2. Design documents; copy flowcharts, algorithms, and pseudocodes.
3. Copy of source code program.
4. Testing reports with all types of possible inputs.
5. Output reports with all types of possible outputs for a program.

2. User Documentation
User documentation is a user manual User documentation consists of information needed to successfully utilise all of the capabilities of the program. Information related to the operating program, input parameters, and output parameters is maintained.