Question

1) List 3 factors that we can use to evaluate the "goodness" of a program.

2) What is the difference between a microcomputer and a microcontroller?

Typed answers will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Evaluating the goodness of the program is very important to understand whether we are delivering a quality product and whether our efforts to improve quality are having the intended impact. There are various factors used to evaluate the quality of a program. Some of the important measures are as follows.

• Functionality

Quality factors are not meaningful when we are talking about unfunctional program. A good program should be functional in nature and any part of the program is not able to execute its core functionality is useless.

• Robust

A program must be robust in nature it means that the program has the ability to cope with errors during execution. It means that a good program is resistant to changes around it and failures, and also being able to recognize and deal with failures.

• Maintainability

It can be defined as the ease with which a program can be modified to correct errors, to meet new requirements, to make future maintenance easier and effective, or to adapt new environment. A good program should be maintainable in nature.

Microcomputer and Microcontroller

Microcomputer is a digital computer having a microprocessor as its CPU, combined with memory and input/output devices and is used to process multiple task within a device.

Examples: Modern Desktop, Laptops, Tablet PC’s, Mobile phones etc.

Microcontroller is a small and low-cost microcomputer, which is designed to perform a specific task only. It also has microprocessor, memory and input/output device on a single chip.

Examples: Analog devices, Altera, Intel etc.

Difference between Microcomputer and Microcontroller

Microcomputer	Microcontroller
Microcomputers are used to execute multiple task within an application.	Microcontrollers are used to execute a single task within an application.
Its design and hardware cost is high.	Its designing and hardware cost is low.
It is not easy to replace	It is easy to replace
It is built with VLSI technology, which requires high power to operate.	It is built with CMOS technology, which requires less power to operate