USER REQUIREMENTS

To translate user requirements into technical terms, the first skill you will need is the ability to communicate with the users. Usually, the users know what they want and need, but they do not always know how to phrase it and put it into a logical process. That is where you, the computer specialist, come into play. As communications specialists, we have to be able to translate their ideas into a logical process. One effective method we can use is pseudocode because the code can be easily read and understood by both users and communications specialists (figure 3-12). After we determine the process and document it in pseudocode, we take the pseudocode to the users for their review to make sure we have covered all of their needs. After talking with the users, we make any necessary changes, then go back to the users again. As the programmer, it is your responsibility to determine the necessity and feasibility of the user's requirements to avoid unnecessary or even impossible programming. We continue this process until the users have no more changes and approve the pseudocode. The approval is required before moving on to the development of the program requirements.

Determine System Software Requirements

When we start to determine the system software requirements, we look at the pseudocode and the user's requested end product(s) to determine whether a commercial software package is available to accomplish the job or if we will need to develop an in-house program.

Figure 3-12.\Pseudocode example.

To determine whether the job can be done with a commercial software package, you need to be aware of the different software packages available and their _{capabilities and features.} If it appears you can use a commercial software package and your AIS facility does not have it, start looking at the different government contracts in effect to locate the particular software package you are interested in. If the software is not available on contract, you will have to look for outside sources. Once you locate the software package and obtain approval for purchase, you can start the process of filling out the paperwork to order the software.

If you determine no commercial software is available to accomplish the user's request, you need to look at the expertise available in your AIS facility and what programming software is available at your facility to accomplish the job. Powerful software is available to mike the programmer's work easier. This software falls into one or more of the following categories:

Query languages. Allow records to be printed or displayed in a specified format.

Database languages. Allow records to be added or retrieved and manipulated following set formats.

Report generators. Allow reports to be created from retrieved data records.

Application generators. Allow the use of pre-written modules in creating a program.

High-level languages. Allow the programmer to create a program from scratch.

Generalized software. Directs certain internal computer functions.

Determine System Hardware Requirements

Once you determine the source of the program, whether a commercial or an in-house program, you need to look at what type of hardware will be required. Commercial software will have the hardware requirements stated in the paperwork. The users may have certain hardware requirements dictated to them that will have to be met. For example, a laser printer, a specific type of floppy drive, or a CD-ROM drive may be required. For in-house programs, it may be more difficult to determine the hardware needed until the program specifications are complete.

When additional hardware is required, you should first determine if it is available at the facility. You may find the hardware needed is not being used where it is located and you can move it to meet the new requirements. If the hardware is not available at the facility, begin the acquisition process. This process is the same as for software, except, in most cases, the requirements will have to go out on bids to several companies. With this process, it may take a long time to receive the hardware. You should plan accordingly.

Calculate Memory Requirements

When translating user requirements into an application, there are several things to keep in mind. We have covered the system software and hardware requirements; now, we turn our attention to the memory requirements. Calculate the memory requirements carefully; it will do no one any good to create a program that can not be run due to memory constraints of the system. Factors to be combined when calculating memory requirements are: . the operating system, l the program, and . the data to be input.

By taking into consideration the memory requirements of each of these factors, there should be no problems (as far as memory goes) with running the programs.