Chapter 2. Programming Constructs

In this chapter

  • Decisions

  • Loops

  • Functions

  • Data

  • Next Steps

Learning to properly define the problem to be solved in a software application is an unavoidable first step of computer programming. The second step, applying the correct construct to effect the solution, lies at the heart of software engineering.

Identifying and solving a problem at this level is different from the role of a systems analyst in the software development process. Systems analysts are concerned with the design method, feature list, and milestones of an application.

As a software engineer, you are continually challenged with accomplishing the next portion of the application. Perhaps the task is to read a configuration file and initialize ...

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