Procedure vs. Program — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
A procedure is a set of instructions for performing a task, focusing on the "how", while a program is a collection of procedures and functions executed by a computer, emphasizing the "what" and the "how".
Difference Between Procedure and Program
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A procedure, in general terms, refers to a specific method or way of doing something, often detailed as a series of steps to achieve a particular task. These steps are designed to guide the user or the system through a process, ensuring consistency and efficiency. On the other hand, a program is a comprehensive set of instructions written in a programming language that a computer can understand and execute. It not only includes procedures but also encompasses the logic and data needed to carry out complex tasks.
Procedures are fundamental to both programming and operational contexts, serving as the building blocks for more complex operations. They are invoked or called in various parts of a program or in different programs to perform their tasks, promoting reusability and modularity. Whereas, a program is a complete entity that can be executed by a computer to perform a specific function or a set of functions, usually solving a problem or providing entertainment.
In the context of software development, a procedure is often synonymous with a function or a subroutine, depending on the programming language. It is a segment of code designed to carry out a specific task within a larger program, which can be called upon as needed. On the other hand, a program encompasses not only these procedures but also definitions of data, and the sequence in which these procedures are to be executed, forming a complete application or software.
From a documentation perspective, procedures are usually outlined in manuals or guides, providing step-by-step instructions for humans to follow, whether in conducting a scientific experiment, completing a form, or executing a technical task. Programs, however, are documented in code comments and software documentation, aiming to explain the logic, structure, and function of the software to developers and technical users.
The creation and maintenance of procedures and programs involve different levels of complexity and expertise. Developing a procedure might require understanding the task at hand and the best practices for accomplishing it, which can often be done without extensive technical training. Creating a program, however, necessitates a deep understanding of programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and software development principles, requiring significant education and experience in computer science or a related field.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A set of instructions to perform a task.
A collection of procedures, functions, and instructions for a computer.
Scope
Focused on a specific task within a broader operation.
Encompasses an entire operation or application.
Usage Context
Can be non-technical or technical.
Primarily technical, related to computing.
Reusability
Designed to be reused in different contexts.
A self-contained entity, but can include reusable components.
Required Expertise
Varies, from low for simple tasks to high for complex technical procedures.
High, requires programming and software development skills.
Compare with Definitions
Procedure
A subroutine within a program.
The sorting procedure improves the algorithm's efficiency.
Program
A sequence of instructions to perform a specific task.
The programmer wrote a program to automate the report generation.
Procedure
An established or official way of doing something.
The company's procedure for dealing with complaints is very thorough.
Program
A set of coded instructions that a computer can understand and execute.
The new program simplifies data analysis significantly.
Procedure
A medical treatment involving an operation or surgery.
The patient underwent a minor surgical procedure yesterday.
Program
A broadcast on television or radio.
My favorite program airs every Friday night.
Procedure
A set of instructions in a manual.
Follow the procedure outlined in the manual for setting up the device.
Program
A scheduled plan of events or activities.
The conference program includes workshops and keynote speeches.
Procedure
A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.
The laboratory procedure for testing the sample involves three main steps.
Program
An organized plan of educational activities.
The university offers a program in Environmental Science.
Procedure
An established or official way of doing something
The police are now reviewing procedures
Parliamentary procedure
Program
A listing of the order of events and other pertinent information for a public presentation.
Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
Program
The presentation itself
A program of piano pieces.
Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
Program
A scheduled radio or television show.
Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
Program
An ordered list of events to take place or procedures to be followed; a schedule
A program of physical therapy for a convalescent.
Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
Program
A system of services, opportunities, or projects, usually designed to meet a social need
"Working parents rely on the center's after-school latchkey program" (New York Times).
Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
Program
A course of academic study; a curriculum.
Procedure
A particular method for performing a task.
Program
A plan or system of academic and related or ancillary activities
A work-study program.
Procedure
A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.
Program
A plan or system of nonacademic extracurricular activities
The football program.
Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
Program
A set of coded instructions that enables a machine, especially a computer, to perform a desired sequence of operations.
Procedure
The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Program
An instruction sequence in programmed instruction.
Procedure
(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.
Program
All or part of the genetic code of a cell or organism.
Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
Program
A characteristic sequence of developmental or behavioral events in a cell or organism, often considered to result from the expression of genes.
Procedure
(medicine) A surgical operation.
Program
A stimulus or training sequence that causes an organism to exhibit a behavior, as by conditioning.
Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
Program
To include or schedule in a program
Program a new musical composition.
Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Program
To design a program for; schedule the activities of.
Procedure
That which results; issue; product.
Program
To provide (a machine) with a set of coded working instructions.
Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
Program
To stimulate or train to perform automatically in a specified way
Consumers who have been programmed to buy brand names.
Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
Program
To prepare an instructional sequence for (material to be taught) in programmed instruction.
Procedure
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Program
To provide (a cell or organism, for example) with a genetic program
Cells that are programmed to produce insulin.
Procedure
A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
Program
To cause (an effect or action) by means of a genetic program; determine genetically
"The basic housekeeping duties that a human and a yeast cell must perform are the same and are programmed by recognizably similar genes inherited from a common, single-celled ancestor" (Nicholas Wade).
Program
A set of structured activities.
Our program for today’s exercise class includes swimming and jogging.
Program
A leaflet listing information about a play, game or other activity.
The program consisted of ads for restaurants and the credits of everyone connected with the play.
Program
(politics) A set of principle goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate
Program
(broadcasting) A performance of a show or other broadcast on radio or television.
Tonight’s program was hosted by Johnny Carson.
Program
(computing) A software application, or a collection of software applications, designed to perform a specific task.
The program runs on both Linux and Microsoft Windows.
Program
A particular mindset or method of doing things.
Program
(transitive) To enter a program or other instructions into (a computer or other electronic device) to instruct it to do a particular task.
He programmed the DVR to record his favorite show.
Program
(transitive) To develop (software) by writing program code.
I programmed a small game as a demonstration.
Program
(transitive) To put together the schedule of an event.
Mary will program Tuesday’s festivities.
Program
(broadcasting) To schedule the programming; to determine what will be broadcast.
Program
(transitive) To cause to automatically behave in a particular way.
The lab rat was programmed to press the lever when the bell rang.
Program
Same as Programme.
Program
A system of projects or services intended to meet a public need;
He proposed an elaborate program of public works
Working mothers rely on the day care program
Program
A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished;
They drew up a six-step plan
They discussed plans for a new bond issue
Program
(computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute;
The program required several hundred lines of code
Program
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Program
A radio or television show;
Did you see his program last night?
Program
A performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation;
The program lasted more than two hours
Program
A document stating the aims and principles of a political party;
Their candidate simply ignored the party platform
They won the election even though they offered no positive program
Program
An announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event;
You can't tell the players without a program
Program
Arrange a program of or for;
Program the 80th birthday party
Program
Write a computer program
Common Curiosities
Can procedures be used in non-computing contexts?
Yes, procedures are used in various non-computing contexts, such as in scientific experiments, manufacturing processes, and organizational policies.
How do procedures improve a program?
Procedures improve program organization, readability, and reusability by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts.
Can a program exist without procedures?
Technically, a program could be very simple and not explicitly define procedures, but most complex programs are made up of multiple procedures or functions.
What is the main difference between a procedure and a program?
A procedure is a set of instructions for performing a task, while a program is a comprehensive set of instructions that a computer executes.
Is a procedure the same as a function?
In many programming contexts, procedures and functions are similar; both are blocks of code that perform a task, though functions typically return a value.
What skills are required to create a program?
Creating a program requires knowledge of programming languages, software development principles, and often, expertise in the program's application domain.
What's the role of documentation in programs and procedures?
Documentation explains the logic, usage, and structure of programs and procedures, aiding in maintenance and usage.
How does the complexity of creating a program compare to creating a procedure?
Creating a program is generally more complex, as it involves integrating multiple procedures and ensuring they work together correctly.
Can a single procedure be used in multiple programs?
Yes, a well-designed procedure can be reused in multiple programs to perform its designated task.
Can a program be considered a procedure in any context?
Conceptually, a program could be seen as a procedure by a computer's operating system, which executes it, but this is not a common perspective.
Do procedures only exist in software?
No, procedures exist in many fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, and administrative processes, wherever a series of steps needs to be followed.
How do procedural programming and object-oriented programming differ in using procedures?
Procedural programming focuses on procedures or functions as the primary means of structuring code, whereas object-oriented programming organizes code around objects and their interactions, using methods (similar to procedures).
Are all programs made of code?
Yes, all programs are composed of code written in one or more programming languages.
How do programs and procedures relate to algorithms?
Both programs and procedures implement algorithms, which are conceptual sequences of steps to solve problems.
Why is reusability important in procedures and programs?
Reusability saves time and effort, allowing developers to use existing, tested procedures in new programs, enhancing productivity and reliability.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
