Characteristics of a Good Computer Program

We know that each computer requires proper guidance set (programs) to play out the necessary task. The processing of the task depends on the given instructions. So it is also important that the provided instructions should be given in a proper way. Therefore, a program should be written in such a way that it is more clear to understand and implement. So that it can provide us the with the desired output.

These are the following characteristics of a good computer program -

Portability

A program should be supported by many different computers. The program should compile and run smoothly on different platforms. Because of rapid development in the hardware and the software, these days platform change is a common phenomenon. So, portability is measured by how a software application can be transferred from one computer environment to another without failure. A program is said to be more portable if it is easily adopted in different computer systems. Subsequently, if a program is developed only for a particular platform, then the life expectancy of the program is seriously influenced.

Maintainability

It is the process of fixing program errors and improving the program. If a program is easy to read and understand, then its maintenance will be easier. It should also prevent unwanted works so that the maintenance cost in the future will be low. It should also have quality to easily meet new requirements. A maintainable software allows us to quickly and easily fix a bug, increase usability and performance, add new features, make changes to support multiple platforms etc.

Efficient

Program is said to be more efficient if it takes least amount of memory and processing time and is easily converted to machine language. The algorithm should be more effective. Every program needs certain processing time and memory to process the instructions and data. The program efficiency is also high if it has high speed during runtime execution of the program.

Reliable

The user's actual needs will change from time-to-time, so the program is said to be reliable if it works smoothly in every version. It is measured as reliable if it gives same performance in all simple to complex conditions.

Machine Independent

Program should be machine-independent. Program written on one system should be able to execute on many different types of computers without any changes. It is not system specific and provides more flexibility. An example of this would be Java.

Cost Effectiveness

Cost Effectiveness is the key to measure the program quality. Cost must be measured over the life of the program and must include both cost and human cost of producing these programs.

Flexible

The program should be written in such a manner that it allows to add new features without changing the existing module. The majority of the projects are developed for a specific period and they require modifications from time to time. It should always be ready to meet new requirements. Highly flexible software is always ready for a new world of possibilities.

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