Program Design class (CIS 105)

    Our first assignment was to write out the directions on how to get from inside our classroom to inside the school library. Mr. Long, our instructor, wanted DETAILS  (but not the number of steps we took as everyone's steps are different.) It was rather fun doing this: I took my pen and my clip board (with paper in it) and wrote as I walked. I tried to write down everything I did.
    It didn't seem much like an assignment for a Program Design class - but, later, when Mr. Long started asking us questions about our assignment we could see how it applied! First, how many thought about putting down the instructions for opening doors - so we could exit/enter a room? Second, how many said turn Right or turn Left once they were out the door. Third, how many said to stop and look for cars - or did you just get run over? And, how many opened the Library door - or did you walk through the glass??? (Ouch!)
   The point was that EVERY little detail has to be there for you to accomplish your goal; in this case to get from the classroom to inside the Library, but in computer programming it is much more complex and demanding. If you leave out ONE step - be it tiny - your program will not run smoothly. It will either not run at all, or it will crash, or it will not do what it is supposed to do. And we all know how frustrating that is!
   It was a great assignment and I think we all learned a lot from it. I did. (We actually wrote an algorithm!!)
   Today we talked about the 7-step process of program development, which applies to programming AND to Web design! The seven steps are: Define the Problem; Outline the Solution; Delevelop the Outline into an Algorithm; Test the Algorithm for Correctness; Code the Algorithm into a Specific Programming Language; Run the Program on the Computer; and Document and Maintain the Program. This was my basic approach when I designed my Web page for my pasture boarding business - and I didn't even know how right-on I was!!
   Another fun thing about this class was talking about IPO charts and flow charts. I can't wait 'til we start utilizing some of this stuff, but then, I am a detail person.
   So, let it be said here that I am REALLY enjoying all three of my computer classes and learning a LOT!! I can't wait for each class to start and I usually work on stuff the minute I get home!!! I'm lovin' it!!! (To coin a phrase!!)