The correct spelling of the word "sub procedure" in American English is /sʌb/ /prəˈsidʒər/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "uh" sound, followed by the "b" sound. The second syllable begins with the "p" sound, then the "r" sound, and finally the "uh" sound. A sub procedure is a subroutine or subprogram within a larger computer program that can be called upon to perform a specific task. It is an important aspect of programming that allows for modular and efficient coding.
A sub procedure, also known as a subroutine or a subprogram, is a self-contained section of code that performs a specific task within a larger program. It is an essential component of structured programming and modular design, allowing for code reusability and organization.
A sub procedure is typically written once and can be utilized multiple times throughout a program. It is a way of encapsulating a sequence of instructions that perform a particular action or set of actions. When the sub procedure is called or invoked, the program transfers control to the sub procedure and executes its instructions. Once the sub procedure completes its task, control is returned to the point in the main program where it was called.
Sub procedures provide modularity, which enhances code readability and makes debugging and maintenance more manageable. They allow programmers to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, making programs easier to understand and modify. Additionally, sub procedures can accept parameters, allowing data to be passed into the sub procedure when it is called, and they can return values to the caller.
In many programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++, sub procedures are defined using specific keywords or syntax, and they can be either built-in or user-defined. Built-in sub procedures, also known as functions or methods, are provided by the language itself, while user-defined sub procedures are created by the programmer based on the specific needs of the program.
The word "sub procedure" originates from the field of computer programming, specifically in the context of procedural programming languages.
The etymology of "sub procedure" can be broken down as follows:
- "Sub" is an abbreviation of "subroutine", which refers to a sequence of instructions within a computer program that performs a specific task. The term "subroutine" itself dates back to the mid-20th century.
- "Procedure" refers to a sequence of instructions that can be called or executed within a program to perform a particular action or task. The term "procedure" has been used in the context of programming languages since at least the 1960s.
Therefore, "sub procedure" is a combination of these terms, indicating a subordinate or secondary procedure or subroutine within a programming context.