Structural programming
Structural programming is a programming paradigm that uses structured control flow and data structures to compose programs. It focuses on having a well-defined sequence of steps and conditions that a program must follow. Structural programming relies heavily on statements such as if-then-else and while-do, and is generally easier to read and understand than other programming paradigms.
The primary benefits of structural programming are:
- Improved readability: Structural programming is easier to read and understand than other paradigms due to its focus on structure and flow.
- Reduced complexity: As structural programming relies heavily on simple control flow, it reduces the complexity of a program and makes it easier to debug.
- Increased efficiency: Structural programming is typically more efficient than other paradigms, as it is easier to optimize and execute.
When to use Structural programming
Structural programming is best suited for programs that are relatively simple and don't require complex data structures or algorithms. Structural programming is also great for programs that require a lot of user interaction, as it makes it easier to read and understand the code. It is also a great choice for programs that are short and require a lot of speed, as the code is easier to optimize and execute.
Types of Structural programming
Structural programming has a number of different types, each with its own unique benefits and uses.
- Sequential programming: Sequential programming is the simplest type of structural programming, and involves writing a program in a linear order, with each line of code executing in the same order as it is written.
- Conditional programming: Conditional programming involves writing a program that takes into account different conditions and executes different lines of code depending on the result of the condition. This type of programming is often used to create more complex programs.
- Iterative programming: Iterative programming involves writing a program that uses a looping structure, such as a for or while loop, to execute a set of instructions multiple times. This type of programming is often used to process large amounts of data.
Steps of Structural programming
Structural programming follows a set of steps to create a program:
- Identify the problem: The first step is to identify the problem that the program is intended to solve.
- Design the algorithm: Once the problem is identified, the next step is to design an algorithm to solve the problem. This includes writing pseudocode or flowcharts to outline the structure of the program.
- Code the program: After the algorithm is designed, the program can be coded using the appropriate language.
- Test the program: Finally, the program should be tested to ensure that it produces the correct results.
Advantages of Structural programming
Structural programming offers many advantages, including improved readability, reduced complexity, and increased efficiency.
- Improved readability: Structural programming is easier to read and understand than other paradigms due to its focus on structure and flow. This makes it ideal for novice programmers, as they can more quickly understand the logic behind a program.
- Reduced complexity: As structural programming relies heavily on simple control flow, it reduces the complexity of a program and makes it easier to debug. This makes it easier to spot any errors or bugs and fix them quickly.
- Increased efficiency: Structural programming is typically more efficient than other paradigms, as it is easier to optimize and execute. This makes it an ideal choice for large programs or complex tasks.
Limitations of Structural programming
- Lack of scalability: Structural programming is not well-suited for programs that need to be scaled up, as its reliance on simple control flow and data structures can limit the complexity of a program.
- Limited language support: Structural programming is currently not supported by many modern programming languages, and is thus not suitable for certain types of programs.
- Difficult to maintain: Structural programming can be difficult to maintain and modify, as its reliance on simple control flow and data structures can limit the flexibility of the code.
In addition to Structural programming, there are other approaches such as Object-Oriented programming, Functional programming, and Logic programming.
- Object-Oriented programming: Object-Oriented programming focuses on creating objects that contain both data and behavior, and is often used to create maintainable and reusable code.
- Functional programming: Functional programming focuses on writing code as a set of functions that can be combined to produce the desired results.
- Logic programming: Logic programming focuses on solving problems using logical statements, and is typically used for artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
| Structural programming — recommended articles |
| Parametric modeling — Subsystem — Algorithm — Process layout — Types of machine learning — Organizational unit — Support vector machine — Conceptual design — Agile software development |
References
- Knuth, D. E. (1974). Structured programming with go to statements. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 6(4), 261-301.
