Re: lexical question

[Richard elGurutm Howland-Bolton <reh1 -at- CORNELL -dot- EDU>]

>What is the difference between a function, routine, and subroutine?

>I'm documenting a programming library to be used by programmers
>writing network applications. The source material uses the above
>words interchangably. Are they synonymous? I know a function
>returns a value, but I can't find a definition of routine or
>subroutine.

>Also, when referring to the functions (or whatever?) should I use
>parens? For example:
>        The add() function returns a value.

>        or should I leave the parens off. Thanks in advance,

>        Amy

This is how I look at those terms:
A routine is a piece of code that does something.
A subroutine is a routine that is called
(often many times) by other routines.
A function is a routine that returns a value
(you answered that one yourself :-)  )
Their use is relatively relative -- for
example you might have an "average" routine that
repeatedly calls your "add()" as a subroutine.
Each time "add()" gives "average" a number, and
so acts as a function.

If your environment has a need for parens then
I'd include them, at least in examples.

Sorry this is hurried.
r h-b

Richard E. Howland-Bolton          Cornell University
Manager Publications Computing     Publications Guru
  Internet: reh1 -at- cornell -dot- edu       You can ftp to: 132.236.39.28
Compuserve: 71041,2133             AppleLink: CUGURU
     Voice: (607) 255-9455         FAX: (607) 255-5684
      Post: Publications, East Hill Plaza, Ithaca, NY 14850
-------------------------------------------------------
"I'll have my computer get in touch with your computer"
-------------------------------------------------------