Sub-process

Explaining sub-processes

The role of a sub-process is to make a problem easier to solve, especially when a problem requires repetition. A sub-process is synonymous with a function.

What is a sub-process

A sub-process is a named-part of a larger process. This sub-process can be called many times, like a function. A sub-process accepts input, processes the input, and returns a result.

Example

Imagine we had a program which described monsters. The description of a monster can be ONLY ONE OF the following:

1. fluffy
2. spikey
3. slimy
4. scary

If we had 10 different monsters would it make sense for us to write this conditional 10 times?

def description_of_monster(value):
    if value == 1:
        return "fluffy"
    elif value == 2:
        return "spikey"
    elif value == 3:
        return "slimy"
    else:
         return "scary"

... of course not! It makes much more sense to create a sub-process so we can avoid repetition, increase efficiency, make our code more understandable.

Standards

These standards are used from the IB Computer Science Subject Guide

• Explain the role of sub-procedures in solving a problem.

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.