Reading Computer Programs: Instructor's Guide to Exercises
Abstract
The ability to read and understand a computer program is a critical skill for the software developer, yet this skill is seldom developed in any systematic way in the education or training of software professionals. These materials discuss the importance of program reading and review what is known about reading strategies and other factors affecting comprehension. These materials also include reading exercises for a modest Ada program and discuss how educators can structure additional exercises to enhance program reading skills. This report has two main objectives: to convince teachers of future computer professionals of the importance of program reading and to provide sample exercises to facilitate the teaching of program reading. We will review the literature relevant to program reading, and discuss teaching approaches and techniques. A large part of the report is devoted to the listing of an Ada program for which we provide reading exercises that fulfill a range of educational objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA228026
Entities
People
- J. F. Naveda
- Lionel E. Deimel
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University