Procedure - Definition and Overview

A procedure is a series of activities, tasks, steps, decisions, calculations and other processes, that when undertaken in the sequence laid down produces the described result, product or outcome. Following a procedure should produce repeatable results for the same input conditions.

Recorded procedures are usually called instructions or recipes. High-level procedures are sometimes known as methods.

For example, the procedure for baking a cake from a packet mix may consist of the following steps:

1. Pre-heating the oven.
2. Opening the mix box.
3. Mixing the batter.
4. Putting the cake in.
5. Removing it when it's done.

In mathematics and science, a procedure, or algorithm, is a sequence of tasks or calculations that accomplish some goal.

In computer science, procedure is a subprogram, generally one which returns or is intended to return no direct result to its caller.

In law, procedure is the body of law and rules used in the administration of justice in the court system, see: civil procedure and criminal procedure.

See also

• HowTo
• Recipe
• Function closure