CSC - Program Components

Each program is uniquely written to perform a specific set of functions
For data to be converted in to meaninful and useful information, it must first be processed
Much like a computer system, programs deal with data in three main steps
These program components allow us to alter and create all types of data

Program's often utilize an input method to gather information
This is usually in the form of human input, such as through a prompt or text field
Some programs use the output of another program as their own input
This is especially common in number crunching and statistical programs
- Some programs even make use of sensors and other hardware for data input
- Other programs may even allow for advanced input, such as voice recognition and facial detection
Data input is a crucial component of any program as it defines what information is going to be processed, and in turn the end result

Program processing is handled by the host computer's processor
The computer's processor is responsible for manipulating a program's given information and returning a result
The data type processed is often dependant on the program's capabilities and purpose
Read The Computing Teacher's article on CPUs here
Read The Computing Teacher's article on the Fetch Execute cycle here

A program's output is the end result of the processed data
We may not see the output of a program if the information released is intended for further processing (e.g. a value returned as part of a submodule)
Outputs often occur as information we can understand and work with
Common outputs may be things such as photo, video and audio files, text, charts, graphs and even physical feedback (e.g. synaptic feedback)
The data output from a program is dependent on the program's purpose

Found an error or have an enhancement? Please let us know via this contact form

ProgrammingSequence, selection, iteration, procedures, functions, modules, parameters, compilers, interpreters