PRG 420 Wk 2 Discussion – Variables in Real-Life Programs

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to other students.

Due Thursday

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

You will use variables and decision constructs such as if-then, if-then-else, and switch in virtually every Java™ program you write.

Here is an example of pseudocode, a shorthand combination of code and natural language often used to present and refine program logic to team members before programmers actually begin programming. The pseudocode that follows describes an app designed to be used in a warehouse order center:

if an ordered product is located in inventory

then send the customer notification the product is on the way

else notify the customer with the restocking and shipping date

The same if/then/else logic could apply to an accounts receivable app, as follows:

if payment is not received within 30 days

then mail a 30-days late notice (continue this logic string to handle what should happen if payment is not received with 45 days)

else state the action for the late or missing payment

Discuss what other industry examples of if/then/else logic you can think of. How might an organization’s environment affect a programmer’s choice of variable types? For example, would a Java™ app that handles customer requests for a small company with a modest number of customers likely include the same variable types as a large, international company with a very large number of customers? Would a Java™ app for a financial company tend to have variables of a certain type, and, if so, what type and why?

Due Monday

Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.