Question

Which procedural language might be most appropriate for a program to do each of the following applications and why? a. Compute trajectories for a satellite launcher. b. Monitor an input device feeding data from an experiment to the computer. c. Process the day's transactions at an ATM (automated teller machine).

Short answer

a. Fortran/C for trajectories; b. C for real-time monitoring; c. Java/C++ for ATM transactions.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Task Application

First, it's important to understand what type of application we are dealing with. Each task mentioned involves specific types of operations that determine the characteristics needed in the programming language. For example, computing trajectories requires complex mathematical calculations, monitoring input devices needs real-time data handling, and processing transactions at an ATM involves dealing with transactions securely.

Determine Language Suitability for Task A

For computing trajectories for a satellite launcher, a language that is suitable for scientific computations and numerical analysis should be chosen. Languages like Fortran or C are excellent for such applications due to their advanced handling of mathematical operations, high performance, and extensive use in scientific computing.

Determine Language Suitability for Task B

Monitoring an input device feeding data from an experiment requires a language that can manage real-time data processing and input/output operations effectively. C is a good choice because it provides low-level access to memory and has been traditionally used to program devices and handle real-time computation.

Determine Language Suitability for Task C

For processing the day's transactions at an ATM, a language that provides robust support for concurrent processing, security features, and database operations is essential. Java or C++ are appropriate choices due to their capability to handle complex transactions safely and efficiently.

Key concepts

scientific computation

Scientific computation involves using mathematical models and numerical analysis to solve scientific and engineering problems. In the context of computing trajectories for a satellite launcher, it requires dealing with complex operations that include:

• Advanced calculus and algebra to calculate trajectories.
• High precision in numerical computations to ensure accuracy.

Languages like Fortran and C are known for their efficiency in handling scientific computations due to their optimized performance and extensive libraries. Fortran, in particular, has been a staple in scientific computing because of its numerical accuracy and array manipulation capabilities. C also provides powerful computational abilities, allowing for efficient execution of algorithms necessary in this field. Using these languages, scientists can perform simulations and optimize calculations needed for space missions.

real-time data processing

Real-time data processing is crucial in situations where immediate response from data inputs is necessary, such as monitoring an input device sending data from an experiment to the computer. This requires the system to collect, process, and sometimes store data without any delay. Key characteristics of real-time processing include:

• Low latency to ensure fast input/output operations.
• Reliability and precision to handle continuous data flow.

C language is often employed in such scenarios due to its ability to provide direct memory manipulation and low-level system access, which are vital for time-sensitive applications. By using C, developers can create robust systems that can efficiently manage data feeds from various experiments, ensuring that data is processed as it is received, without delay.

transaction processing

Transaction processing systems are designed to manage and manipulate transaction data, ensuring that all transactions are completed reliably and securely. This is especially important in applications like processing daily transactions at an ATM. Key aspects include:

• Concurrent processing to handle multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Robust security measures to protect sensitive financial information.
• Database operations to accurately record transaction data.

Languages such as Java and C++ are ideal for transaction processing. Java offers a robust framework for building secure applications with its cross-platform capabilities and comprehensive security features. Similarly, C++ provides efficient processing abilities with strong support for multi-threading, which is essential in dealing with numerous transactions at once. Both languages ensure that ATMs can process daily operations reliably, keeping both the system and users' data secure.