Explain the steps in program development.

1. Generate program objectives
It involves forming a clear idea in terms of the information you want to include in the program, what computations and the output. The programmer is guided by identifying a problem or situation faced by the intended users and what they would require the program to do. At this stage, the programmer should think in general terms, not in terms of some specific computer language
2. Design program
The programmer decides how the program will go about its implementation, what should the user interface be like, how should the program be organized, how to represent the data and what methods to use during processing. At this point, an algorithm is developed to assist in the actual programming so as to achieve the desired results. A programmer should also be thinking generally although some of the decisions may be based on some general characteristics of the C++ language or any other programming language in this matter.
NB: An algorithm is a logical sequence of steps that shows all the tasks or activities to be carried out by the program or application
3. Write the program Code
It is the design Implementation by writing the actual code or instructions (based on the algorithm) using an agreed programming language i.e. translating the program design into C++ language instructions. This is done using C++’s text editor or any other editor such as notepad (though the later requires you to save your program with the extension.cpp)
4. Compile the code
A compiler converts the source code into object code, which are instructions in machine language that can be understood by the computer. Computers have different machine languages, only that compilers need to also incorporate code for C++ libraries into the final program. The libraries contain standard routines. The end result is an executable file that the computer can understand. The compiler also checks for both syntax and semantic errors in the program and reports the errors to programmer for correction. The object code can never be produced if the source code contains syntax errors.
5. Execute or run the program
This is the actual execution of the final code, usually preceded by the program linking#. Once the executable code is complete and working, it can be invoked in future by typing its name in a ‘run’ command.
6. Test and debug the program
This involves checking whether the program or system software does what it is supposed to do. Programs may have bugs (errors). Debugging involves the finding and fixing of program mistakes.
7. Maintenance and modification
Occasionally, changes become necessary to make to a given program. You may think of a better way to do something in a program or add a clever feature or you may want to adapt the program to run in a different machine. These tasks are simplified greatly if you document the program clearly and if you follow good design practices.
8. Documentation of Software
This is the process of enlisting the details concerning the development, design, testing and the implementation of the program application. Program documentation concerns details of the design and the development of the program application. User manual is a documentation instructing a user on how to install and use the application in the relevant area

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Kavungya answered the question on May 15, 2019 at 15:07