Programming Practice & Techniques: The Programming Process

An algorithm is a defined set of instructions or steps that are followed in order to solve a problem. It is not a symbolic representation or documentation of program logic, nor is it the actual program code. Instead, it is a clear and organized list of the sequence of steps that need to be taken to solve the problem at hand.

The programming process involves analyzing a problem, designing a solution, and implementing it through coding. It requires identifying the problem, understanding its requirements, and finding the most efficient solution. This involves problem-solving skills, as programmers need to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks. The programming process is not solely focused on data transformation or coding; those are just components of the overall problem-solving process.

Incrementing means increasing a value by a specific amount. In this case, the correct answer is "Adding one" because when we increment a value, we add one to it. This action of adding one to a value is commonly used in programming and mathematics to increase the value of a variable or a number.

An algorithm is a set of instructions or a procedure that outlines a sequence of steps to solve a problem. It is not a graphical representation of program flow or the documentation of program logic. While the actual program code may implement the algorithm, the algorithm itself refers to the logical sequence of steps rather than the specific code. Therefore, the correct answer is that an algorithm is a list of the sequence of steps required to solve the problem.

The programming process involves identifying and analyzing problems, designing solutions, and implementing those solutions through coding. This requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Programmers need to understand the problem, break it down into smaller parts, and devise an algorithm or plan to solve it. They then translate this plan into code and test it to ensure it functions correctly. Therefore, the programming process can be seen as a problem-solving process.

The system analyst usually provides the problem definition to a programmer. The system analyst is responsible for analyzing the needs and requirements of a project and translating them into a clear problem statement that the programmer can work on. They gather information from stakeholders, conduct research, and define the scope and objectives of the project. This information is then passed on to the programmer, who uses it as a guide to develop the necessary software solution.

A counter is used for keeping track of the number of times something occurs in a program. It is a variable that is incremented or decremented each time a specific event or condition is met. By using a counter, the program can keep track of the occurrence of an event or the number of iterations in a loop, allowing for better control and monitoring of the program's behavior.

The correct answer is "Print chart" because when describing the output that is to be printed, we typically use a print chart which outlines the format, layout, and content of the printed output. A print chart helps to ensure consistency and accuracy in the printed materials. Display system layout sheet and a record format form may also be used in certain cases, but they are not as commonly used as a print chart.

An execution-time error refers to an error that occurs while a program is running. This type of error is different from syntax errors, which are detected by the compiler before the program is executed, and logical errors, which are errors in the program's logic that cause it to produce incorrect results. Execution-time errors can include things like division by zero, accessing invalid memory locations, or encountering unexpected input. These errors can cause the program to crash or produce unexpected results. A bug is a general term that can refer to any type of error in a program, including execution-time errors.

Desk-checking is a procedure that involves manually reviewing and analyzing an algorithm or program step-by-step, usually by using pen and paper. It allows for a thorough examination of the logic and flow of the algorithm, helping to identify any errors or flaws. By carefully tracing the execution of the algorithm, desk-checking can help verify its correctness and efficiency. This process is particularly useful when automated debugging tools are not available or when a deeper understanding of the algorithm is required.