[1] : WordNet (r) 2.0

subroutine
     n : a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
         syn: routine, subprogram, procedure, function
see also:
routine subprogram procedure function 

[2] : The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)

subroutine
     
         or "procedure" a sequence of instructions
        for performing a particular task.  most programming languages,
        including most machine languages, allow the programmer to
        define subroutines.  this allows the subroutine code to be
        called from multiple places, even from within itself in which
        case it is called recursive.  the programming language
        implementation takes care of returning control to just after
        the calling location, usually with the support of call and
        return instructions at machine language level.
     
        most languages also allow arguments to be passed to the
        subroutine, and one, or occasionally more, return values to
        be passed back.
     
        a function is often very similar to a subroutine, the main
        difference being that it is called chiefly for its return
        value, rather than for any side effects.
     
        1996-10-01
     
     
see also:
instructions machine languages recursive machine language arguments return values 
function side effects 

Subroutine >> S Words
Subroutine, definition of term: Subroutine
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