SUBROUTINE meaning and definition

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What Does a Subroutine Mean?

In the world of programming, there are many terms and concepts that can be confusing to beginners. One such term is "subroutine". But what exactly is a subroutine, and how does it work?

Definition

A subroutine, also known as a function or procedure, is a block of code that performs a specific task or set of tasks. It's a self-contained piece of code that can be called multiple times from different parts of a program, without having to rewrite the same code each time.

Think of a subroutine like a recipe for your favorite dish. You can call upon this recipe whenever you want to make that dish, and it will always follow the same steps to produce the desired result. In programming, this recipe is the subroutine, and it's used to perform specific tasks or calculations.

How Subroutines Work

When a program calls a subroutine, it essentially asks the subroutine to execute its code. The subroutine then performs its intended task, using any necessary data or variables provided by the calling program. Once the subroutine has completed its task, it returns control back to the original program, just like you would return to your kitchen after finishing your recipe.

Subroutines can take arguments, which are values passed from the calling program to the subroutine. They can also return values, which are sent back to the calling program once the subroutine has finished executing.

Benefits of Subroutines

Using subroutines in programming offers several benefits:

Code Reusability: By encapsulating code within a subroutine, you can reuse that code multiple times throughout your program, without having to rewrite it each time.
Modularity: Subroutines promote modularity by allowing you to break down large programs into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Easier Maintenance: With subroutines, you only need to modify the subroutine itself if changes are needed, rather than searching for and updating all instances of the code throughout your program.
Improved Readability: Subroutines can make your code easier to read by grouping related tasks together, making it clearer what each piece of code is intended to do.

Examples of Subroutines

Subroutines are used extensively in various programming languages, such as:

Mathematical Functions: Many programming languages provide built-in mathematical functions, like sin(), cos(), and sqrt(), which are subroutines that perform specific calculations.
Input/Output Operations: Subroutines can be used to read from or write to files, databases, or user interfaces, making it easier to manage input/output operations.
Game Logic: In game development, subroutines can be used to implement game mechanics, such as collision detection, scoring systems, and AI decision-making.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a subroutine is a self-contained piece of code that performs a specific task or set of tasks. By using subroutines in programming, you can promote code reusability, modularity, easier maintenance, and improved readability. Whether you're working with mathematical functions, input/output operations, or game logic, subroutines are an essential tool in your programmer's toolkit.

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