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Functions, Procedures and Module

Functions and procedures are sets of programming instructions that allow for code reusability and organization within a program. Functions return values while procedures perform tasks without returning values, and both can accept parameters. Modules group related functions and procedures to streamline programming and integrate existing code from other projects.

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8 views

Functions, Procedures and Module

Functions and procedures are sets of programming instructions that allow for code reusability and organization within a program. Functions return values while procedures perform tasks without returning values, and both can accept parameters. Modules group related functions and procedures to streamline programming and integrate existing code from other projects.

Uploaded by

ilyas.sas.kaia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Functions, procedures and modules

Functions and procedures summaries sets of programming instructions. Modules are


used to group functions and procedures for a specific purpose.

What are functions and procedures for?


Computer programs can consist of thousands of lines of code, just like a textbook can have
thousands of words.

In the same way that a textbook is divided into chapters, a program is divided into related
functionality using modules.

In a textbook, specific concepts are covered on a section-by-section or paragraph-by-paragraph


basis. Similarly, in a computer program, specific functionality is divided up into
named functions and procedures.

Programs usually integrate blocks of code and modules that have already been created in other
projects.

The algorithms a program uses are implemented as the functions and procedures in these module

Using functions and procedures

In a computer program there are often sections of the program that we want to re-use or repeat.
Chunks of instructions can be given a name - they are called functions and procedures.

Algorithms can be broken down into procedures or functions. This saves time by only having
to execute (call) the function when it is required, instead of having to type out the whole
instruction set.

Programming languages have a set of pre-defined (also known as built-in) functions and
procedures. If the programmer makes their own ones, they are custom-made or user-defined.

Procedures or functions?

A procedure performs a task, whereas a function produces information.


Functions differ from procedures in that functions return values, unlike procedures which
do not. However, parameters can be passed to both procedures and functions.

In a program for drawing shapes, the program could ask the user what shape to draw.
The instructions for drawing a square could be captured in a procedure. The algorithm
for this action could be a set of tasks, such as these:
Repeat the next two steps four
times: Draw a line of length n.
Turn right by 90 degrees.

If this were a computer program, this set of instructions could be given the name 'square'
and this sequence would be executed by running (calling) that procedure.

A function could calculate the VAT due on goods sold. The algorithm for this function
could be:
VAT equals (value_of_goods_sold * 0.2) Return VAT

If this were a computer program, this set of instructions could be given the name
“calculate_VAT” and would be executed by running (calling) that function.

In our example, the function would be called by using:


calculate_VAT(value_of_goods_sold)

The function would then return the value as VAT which is then used elsewhere.

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