Lesson 1: Planning and Developing C Program

What is a computer?

It is an electronic device that accepts input data, processes it, and converts it into output.

How does a computer begin?

A computer can only begin if a human has given it a set of instructions to process data from.

What is the first step in C program development?

Problem Definition

What are the three things you must identify in problem definition?

Inputs, Outputs, and Process

What are inputs in a C program?

The data provided to the program (e.g., integers from a user, text from a file).

What are outputs in a C program?

The results produced by the program (e.g., calculation results, formatted reports).

What is the process in a C program?

The operations or computations that transform inputs into outputs.

Give an example of inputs, outputs, and processes in an average calculator program.

• Inputs: 5 integers

• Outputs: Average as a float

• Process: Add the numbers and divide by 5

Why is it important to define inputs, outputs, and processes before coding?

Because it clarifies what the program should do and prevents logic errors later.

What is the second step?

Program Design

What is the purpose of program design?

To plan the program’s logic and structure before coding.

Name three tools used in program design.

Algorithms, Flowcharts, Pseudocode.

What is an algorithm?

• Step-by-step instructions in plain English.

• It can be different in process but results in one.

What is a flowchart used for?

To illustrate the program’s logic in visual or graphic presentation.

What is pseudocode?

• A bridge between natural language and C syntax.

• It uses English words following the syntax of C.

What are examples of data structures you may need in C?

Arrays, structs, pointers, files.

What is the third step?

Coding (Implementation in C)

What does coding involve?

Translating the design into valid C syntax.

What are the steps in coding a C program?

1. Write source code

2. Compile & link

3. Fix syntax errors

4. Run & test

What coding standards should be followed?

• Use meaningful variable names

• Proper indentation and braces

Which tool checks for syntax errors?

The C compiler

What is the 4th step?

Testing and Debugging

What is the purpose of testing and debugging?

To check the program for errors.

What are syntax errors?

Mistakes in C grammar (missing semicolons, undeclared variables)

How are syntax errors detected?

By the compiler.

What are logic errors?

When the program runs but produces wrong output.

How can logic errors be found?

Manual debugging or using printf statements to trace variables.

What are the three types of testing in C?

Unit testing, Integration testing, Boundary testing.

What is unit testing?

Testing individual functions or components of a program to ensure each works correctly in isolation.

What is Integration testing?

Testing multiple functions or program components together to check if they work correctly as a combined system.

What is Boundary Testing?

• Testing a program with extreme input values (minimum, maximum, just inside/outside valid ranges) to check if it handles edge cases properly.

• Testing a program by giving it different values (uncommon from the expected input) to see how it reacts to the scenario.

Why is documentation important?

To record details for future reference and maintainability.

Name three forms of documentation in C.

In-code comments, User manual, Technical notes.

How do you compile and run a C program?

• Compile: gcc program.c -o program

• Run: ./program

What does deployment involve?

Delivering the compiled .exe or binary file to users.

How do you ensure cross-platform deployment?

Use the right compiler: gcc for Linux, MinGW for Windows.

What must be included during deployment?

Instructions for execution.

What is maintenance?

Updating and fixing the program after release.

What are the three types of maintenance?

Corrective, Adaptive, Perfective.

What is corrective maintenance?

Fixing incorrect calculations or bugs.

What is adaptive maintenance?

Updating the program for new OS/compiler versions.

What is perfective maintenance?

Optimizing code, adding features, or improving readability.

What is the correct order of the 7 steps in program development?

Problem Definition → Program Design → Coding in C → Testing & Debugging → Documentation → Deployment → Maintenance