Subroutine: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ป
subroutine
[หsสb.ruหหtiหn ]
Definition
computer programming
A subroutine is a sequence of program instructions that perform a specific task, packaged as a unit. It is used to break down a program into smaller, more manageable pieces. Subroutines can be called multiple times within a program, allowing for code reusability.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| subroutine |
It's often used in the context of early programming languages like Fortran, or when referring generally to a segment of code designed to perform a specific task within a larger program.
|
| function |
This term is widely used in many programming languages to describe a reusable block of code that performs a specific task and often returns a value. It is applicable in both procedural and object-oriented programming.
|
| procedure |
Generally used in the context of procedural programming languages like Pascal. It is a block of code that performs some operations and does not return a value.
|
| method |
Commonly used in object-oriented programming to describe a function that is associated with an object or a class.
|
Examples of usage
- Before the main program can run, it calls the subroutine to initialize the required variables.
- The subroutine for sorting algorithm can be reused in different parts of the program.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'subroutine' came into use in the 1950s, combining 'sub' meaning 'under' or 'secondary' and 'routine' meaning a sequence of steps to perform.
- Earlier programming languages used simpler terms like 'label' for similar concepts before 'subroutine' became widely adopted.
Programming
- Subroutines help manage complex programs by breaking them into smaller, manageable chunks, improving readability and maintainability.
- Many programming languages, like Python and Java, allow developers to write subroutines, enhancing code reuse and efficiency.
Mathematics
- In mathematics, subroutines can represent functions, which take inputs, perform calculations, and return outputs.
- The concept of functions in programming is similar to mathematical functions, where subroutines play a crucial role in executing operations.
Computer Science
- The use of subroutines is foundational in software development; it allows for modular programming, where different parts of a program can be developed and tested independently.
- Subroutines can also be recursive, meaning they can call themselves, which is useful for solving problems that can be broken down into smaller instances.
Pop Culture
- The concept of subroutines appears in popular video games, where characters (or systems) may have specific actions (or abilities) that can be performed repeatedly.
- Animated shows often use the analogy of a subroutine when a character has to perform a specific task multiple times, emphasizing efficiency in their actions.
Translations
Translations of the word "subroutine" in other languages:
๐ต๐น subrotina
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคเฅเคฐเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Unterprogramm
๐ฎ๐ฉ subrutin
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดะฟัะพะณัะฐะผะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ podprogram
๐ฏ๐ต ใตใใซใผใใณ
๐ซ๐ท sous-programme
๐ช๐ธ subrutina
๐น๐ท alt program
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ธ๋ฃจํด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฑูุชูู ูุฑุนู
๐จ๐ฟ podprogram
๐ธ๐ฐ podprogram
๐จ๐ณ ๅญ็จๅบ
๐ธ๐ฎ podprogram
๐ฎ๐ธ undirlota
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะบั ะฑะฐาะดะฐัะปะฐะผะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแแแแ แแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ alt proqram
๐ฒ๐ฝ subrutina