Question

What is a menu-driven program?

Short answer

Answer: A menu-driven program is a type of computer program that offers a user-friendly interface by providing a list of options or commands for users to choose from. This allows users to easily interact with the program and perform tasks without remembering complex command structures. It typically includes a main menu, submenus, navigation controls, and execution of commands or tasks. Users select an option from the menu, and the program performs the associated action or task, then returns to the main menu for further user interaction.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of a Menu-driven program

A menu-driven program is a type of computer program that provides a user-friendly interface by offering a list of options or commands for users to choose from. This approach allows users to interact with the program easily and perform tasks without needing to remember complex command structures.

Key Components of Menu-driven programs

The essential components of a menu-driven program typically include: 1. A main menu - A list of commonly used functions or options. 2. Submenus - Options that branch out from the main menu, providing more detailed options or functionality. 3. Navigation controls - This includes prompts to select menu options, methods of input selection (e.g. using numbers, arrow keys, or mouse clicks), and the option to return to a previous menu or exit the program. 4. Execution of commands or tasks - Once a user has selected their desired option, the program performs the associated action or task.

Example of a Menu-driven program

To better understand menu-driven programs, let's explore a simple example. Consider a program to perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division: 1. The main menu will display four options: 1. Addition 2. Subtraction 3. Multiplication 4. Division 2. The user selects an option by entering the corresponding number (1, 2, 3, or 4) or using arrow keys and pressing Enter. 3. The program prompts the user to input two numbers for the chosen operation. 4. The program performs the selected operation on the input numbers and displays the result. 5. The program returns to the main menu, allowing the user to perform another operation or exit the program.