Programming, without any exaggeration, is an art. And this art has its own rules, knowledge of which helps to create high-quality programs that delight the user with good work and a user-friendly interface.
Instructions
Step 1
If you are just learning to code, get used to the right style of work right away. Mistakes at this stage, fixing the wrong habits will significantly complicate your work in the future.
Step 2
First, determine what exactly your program should do. Freehand draw a sample interface for it. Imagine how you will work with it, how convenient it will be. The more accurately you define your task, the easier it will be for you to write the program.
Step 3
Make a step-by-step algorithm for the program. Such an algorithm is compiled in the form of a vertical block diagram consisting of separate blocks connected by transitions. At this stage, you schematically describe the operation of the program, which will allow you to create the most optimal version of it.
Step 4
Analyze the flowchart. If an operation is repeated several times, it is appropriate to move its execution into a separate block. When rebuilding the flowchart, be sure to write down the appropriate explanations on it, without them you can easily get confused.
Step 5
A beautiful and well-thought-out block diagram allows you to write a good program. Do not save time on its preparation, this will save you from a lot of mistakes and increase the quality of the finished program.
Step 6
Having drawn up a block diagram and verified the interface, start writing a program. You can completely write all the code by hand, in any editor with syntax highlighting, or even in a regular Notepad. Then you just have to compile the written program using the compiler.
Step 7
But it is better to use one of the special software environments to write the program code, which greatly facilitate the programming process. The most popular of them are Borland C ++ Builder, Borland Delphi, Microsoft Visual Studio. Choose the one in which you are most comfortable working.
Step 8
The actual process of writing code begins with choosing the type of future application. You determine if it will be a regular Windows application, a console program, a dynamic link library, etc. Then (if it is a Windows application) you create an interface using the software environment by simply dragging and dropping elements from the component palette onto the form and adjusting them as needed.
Step 9
The interface has been created, but all its elements are still inoperative - for them, you need to write event handlers. In addition, you need to write the main code that determines the operation of the entire program. Do not forget to insert error handlers - that is, to determine the actions of the program when all kinds of invalid situations arise.
Step 10
When writing code, do not be lazy to insert comments, this is very important. Without making comments, after a while you will find it difficult to understand the written code yourself. The code itself should be written in a generally accepted manner that makes it easier to read and understand.
Step 11
After writing the program, start debugging it, at this stage it is important to identify all the pitfalls. These may be errors leading to incorrect operation of the program, incorrect interface settings - for example, the user is left with the ability to change the size of the program window, although this is not provided. The program may not work correctly when you change the screen resolution - which means that you must take this into account.
Step 12
Be sure to check the program for unexpected operations. Simulate the situations that a user can create, correct all the identified shortcomings immediately.
Step 13
Do not forget that the finished program should work not only on your computer, where you have all the necessary libraries of the programming environment, but also on other machines. Therefore, when compiling the program, specify the necessary options in the settings.
Step 14
Pack the finished program with a packer, this will significantly reduce its size. If you are going to sell your program, protect it from hacking with a protector. But remember that the removal of protectors, openly laid out on the network, has long been mastered by program hackers.
