Definition

1. Noun:
   • A set sequence of steps, part of a larger computer program: A subroutine is a self-contained block of code within a larger program that performs a specific, well-defined task. It is designed to be called or invoked from other parts of the program, often multiple times, to promote code reusability and organization.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The programmer wrote a subroutine to calculate the average of a list of numbers.
  • To sort the data, the main function calls a dedicated sorting subroutine.
  • Debugging is easier when complex tasks are broken down into separate subroutines.

Advanced Usage

• "To call a subroutine": To execute the code within a subroutine from another part of the program.

  • The main algorithm calls the validation subroutine before processing the input.

• "To define a subroutine": To write and name the block of code that constitutes the subroutine.

  • She defined a new subroutine to handle user authentication.

Variants and Related Words

• Subprogram (n): Another term for subroutine.

  • Functions and procedures are types of subprograms.

• Function (n): A type of subroutine that typically returns a value.

• Procedure (n): A type of subroutine that performs an operation but may not return a value.
• Method (n): In object-oriented programming, a subroutine associated with an object or class.

Synonyms

• Module: A separable component, often interchangeable with subroutine in modular programming.
• Routine: A general term for a sequence of instructions performing a task.

Related Phrases

• Library routine: A pre-written subroutine stored in a library for common use.

  • The software uses a library subroutine for advanced mathematical operations.

• Recursive subroutine: A subroutine that calls itself as part of its operation.

  • The factorial calculation was implemented as a recursive subroutine.

Noun

1. a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program