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Year 10 - Computing

Structured programming

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 describe what is meant by a structural approach to programming and explain the benefit of this approach.

Key Notes

  • As programs grow in complexity it becomes useful to structure them in a way that is more manageable for the programmer.
  • A structured approach to programming uses a module approach where a program is seperated into subroutines.
  • A program can be decomposed into smaller subroutines that are easier to solve indepedently.
  • The interface determines how data will be passed in and out of the subroutine.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • subroutine: a sequence of instructions with an identifiable name that performs a specific task
  • interface: describes how a subroutine will interact with the main program
  • identifer: the name that a programmer gives to a variable, constant, or subroutine
  • parameters: used in a subroutine to allow values to be passed into them

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • A program must run line by line from top to bottom.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

As programs grow in complexity it becomes useful to structure them in a way that is more manageable for the programmer. A structured approach to programming uses a module approach where a program is seperated into subroutines.

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

a sequence of instructions with an identifiable name that performs a specific task. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: A program must run line by line from top to bottom. Correction: A subrotuine is an 'out of line' block of code, which is typcially written at the top of a program and then called upon within the main program.

More Lessons In This Unit

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