Lesson plan
Function (computer programming)
In computer programming, a function (also procedure, method, subroutine, routine, or subprogram) is a callable unit of software logic that has a well-formed interface and behavior and can be invoked multiple times. Callable units provide a powerful programming tool. The primary purpose is to enable the decomposition of a large and/or complicated problem into chunks that have relatively low cognitive load. These smaller, less complicated chunks (callable units) can become conceptually independent of the larger problem, taking on meaningful names of their own and potentially becoming useful to other unrelated problems through reusability. Judicious application can reduce the cost of developing and maintaining software through modularity and reusability, while increasing quality and reliability. Callable units are present at multiple levels of abstraction in the programming environment. For example, a programmer may write a function in source code that is compiled to machine code that implements similar semantics. There is a callable unit in the source code and an associated one in the machine code, but they are different kinds of callable units—with different implications and features.
Article summary
In computer programming, a function (also procedure, method, subroutine, routine, or subprogram) is a callable unit of software logic that has a well-formed interface and behavior and can be invoked multiple times. Callable units provide a powerful programming tool. The primary purpose is to enable the decomposition of a large and/or complicated problem into chunks that have relatively low cognitive load. These smaller, less complicated chunks (callable units) can become conceptually independent of the larger problem, taking on meaningful names of their own and potentially becoming useful to other unrelated problems through reusability. Judicious application can reduce the cost of developing and maintaining software through modularity and reusability, while increasing quality and reliability. Callable units are present at multiple levels of abstraction in the programming environment. For example, a programmer may write a function in source code that is compiled to machine code that implements similar semantics. There is a callable unit in the source code and an associated one in the machine code, but they are different kinds of callable units—with different implications and features.
Key claims
- release date: 1958 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- The record states that the release date is "1958". What evidence would count against this claim?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1377715877
Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.