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Year 10 - Computing

Procedures

Programming: subroutines

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will be introduced to structured programming. They will explore the differences between functions and procedures and use functions to return values in programs. They will be introduced to the concept of scope and how parameters can be used to reduce the need for global variables.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to create and call a procedure in a program.

Key Notes

A procedure is a named block of code that performs a specific task.
Procedures are designed to run a sequence of code that does not return any value to the calling program.
In order to run a procedure, it must be called by the main program.

Vocabulary To Learn

call: an expression that passes control and arguments (if any) to a subroutine
procedure: a subroutine that executes a block of code when called but does not return a value
function: a subroutine that returns a value
return value: a value that is returned by a function

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Functions and procedures are just different names for the same thing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

A procedure is a named block of code that performs a specific task. Procedures are designed to run a sequence of code that does not return any value to the calling program.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'call'

an expression that passes control and arguments (if any) to a subroutine. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: Functions and procedures are just different names for the same thing. Correction: A function is a type of subroutine that returns a value whereas a procedure is a type of subroutine that does not return a value.

More Lessons In This Unit

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