Program Maintenance

Concepts of Programming Methodology

Programming is basically solving a particular problem by giving coded instructions to the computer. Furthermore, the whole scenario of the programming cycle involves writing, testing, troubleshooting, debugging, and program maintenance. Moreover, a good program should have clarity and simplicity of expressions, should make use of proper names for identifiers, contain comments, and have a proper indentation and documentation.

Programming Process Cycle

The steps of programming are as follows:

Writing

This step involves writing the desired output of the code. besides, drawing a flowchart depicting all the steps from beginning to end. Then the programmer writes the first copy of the code on the programming software.

Testing

This step is about testing the code against the test cases. If the output is according to desired test cases, the code is correct.

Troubleshooting

After testing the program we perform the error correction in this step.

Debugging

It is the process of finding the exact location of the error in the code.

Running

After all these steps the program is run to get the desired output.

What is an efficient program?

A program that gives the correct desired output for every input, including the wrong input is efficient. Moreover, it should produce correct results in less time and use less memory space. Besides, an efficient program should have clarity and simplicity of expressions, should make use of proper names for identifiers, contain comments, have a proper indentation and documentation, and go through program maintenance. Here, we will study the program maintenance in detail.

Browse more Topics Under General Concepts of Programming Methodology

• Clarity and Simplicity of Expressions
• Use of Proper Names for Identifiers
• Comments
• Indentation
• Documentation
• Running and Debugging Programs
• Syntax Errors
• Run-time Errors
• Logical Errors

Program Maintenance

All the activities that occur after the completion of the program come under the program maintenance. Moreover, it is not a part of the implementation process directly but, it plays an important role. Furthermore, the cost of maintenance is more than the cost of development. Functions of program maintenance include the following:

• Finding and correcting the errors.
• Modifying the program to enhance it. Besides, we modify it usually to adapt to some new laws or government policies. Moreover, we also have to modify it in case if we want to change the hardware or operating system.
• Update the documentation part.
• Add new features and functions.
• Remove useless parts of code.

Types of Program Maintenance

The types are as follows:

Corrective Maintenance

In this process, the developers fix the errors which come after the use of the software. Moreover, the users themselves point out these errors.

Preventive Maintenance

This acts as a precaution since we modify the code to avoid any errors in the future.

Adaptive Maintenance

The changes in our environment may sometimes require making changes in the software as well. Therefore, it is adaptive maintenance. For example, changing the software according to some new rules of the government.

Perfective Maintenance

This involves aiming at keeping the software up to date with the latest technology. Moreover, programmers include any recommendations from the users, in the software.

Program Maintenance Tools

There are certain tools to help to perform the maintenance. They are as follows:

Program Slicer

Highlight the part of code that will get affected by the change you make.

Data Flow Analyzer

It finds and tells you the possible data flow in the software.

Dynamic Analyzer

It finds the execution path of the software.

Static Analyzer

It helps to view the software as a whole. In other words, it allows summarizing the program.

Dependency Analyzer

It will make you understand the dependencies of different parts of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is program maintenance?

A1. All the activities that occur after the completion of the program come under the program maintenance.

Q2. What are the types of maintenance?

A2. The types are as follows:

• Corrective Maintenance
• Preventive Maintenance
• Adaptive Maintenance
• Perfectie Maintenance.

Q3. Why do we need maintenance?

a) Correct the errors

b) Enhance the performance

c) Add new features

d) all of the above

A3. d) all of the above

Q4. Name some tools that help in maintenance.

A4. Tools are as follows:

• Program Slicer
• Data Flow Analyzer
• Dynamic Analyzer
• Static Analyzer
• Dependency Analyzer

Q5. What is programming?

A5. Programming is basically solving a particular problem by giving coded instructions to the computer.