PROCEDURE DIVISION Meaning and
Definition
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The procedure division is a concept in computer programming that refers to a section of a program that contains a series of instructions or statements to perform specific tasks or procedures. It is an essential component of structured programming, allowing for code organization and reuse.
In a procedural programming language, such as COBOL, the procedure division is typically used to define the sequence of steps to be executed in a program. It consists of a set of paragraphs or sections, each representing a discrete operation or procedure. These procedures may include calculations, input/output operations, decision-making processes, or any other logical task required by the program.
The procedure division serves as a modular approach to programming, enabling code reusability and maintainability. It allows programmers to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable procedures, making the program easier to understand and modify. Furthermore, the procedure division allows multiple programs to share common procedures, saving development time and reducing redundancy.
Typically, the procedure division is preceded by the identification and environment divisions, which define the program's overall structure and configuration. The procedure division can then be divided into multiple sections, with each section containing a collection of related procedures. These procedures are invoked using specific statements or through the program's execution flow.
Etymology of PROCEDURE DIVISION
The word "procedure division" has its origins in the field of computer programming, specifically in the COBOL programming language.
Etymologically, "procedure" comes from the Latin word "procedere", meaning "to go forward" or "to proceed". In programming, a procedure refers to a sequence of instructions or code that performs a specific task or function.
On the other hand, "division" in this context refers to a section or part of the COBOL program. In COBOL, the procedure division is the part of the program where the main processing logic is written. It is responsible for defining and executing the series of procedures or operations required to accomplish a specific goal.
Overall, the term "procedure division" in the context of computer programming represents the section or part of a program where the main processing logic or procedures are defined and executed.
