Procedure
From Wikinfo
A procedure, a basic process, is a series of activities, tasks, steps, calculations, decisions and other processes, that when undertaken in the sequence laid down produces the described result, product or outcome. Following a procedure should produce repeatable results for the same input conditions. A procedure could also be described as a pattern of activity.
Procedures are also called instructions or sometimes recipes when they are recorded. They may also be known as methods.
For example, baking a cake can be a procedure that consists of the following steps:
- Opening the mix box.
- Mixing the batter.
- Pre-heating the oven.
- Putting the cake in.
- Removing it when it's done.
In mathematics and science, a procedure, or algorithm, is a sequence of tasks or calculations that accomplish some goal.
In computer science, procedure is a common term for subprogram.
In law, procedure is the body of law and rules used in the administration of justice in the court system, see: civil procedure and criminal procedure.
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Procedure" http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedure July 23, 2003
