[W/K] :: subroutine

  subroutine
       n : a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
           [syn: routine, subprogram, procedure, function]

  subroutine
       
           (Or "procedure") A sequence of instructions
          for performing a particular task.  Most programming languages,
          including most machine languages, allow the programmer to
          define subroutines.  This allows the subroutine code to be
          called from multiple places, even from within itself (in which
          case it is called recursive).  The programming language
          implementation takes care of returning control to (just after)
          the calling location, usually with the support of call and
          return instructions at machine language level.
       
          Most languages also allow arguments to be passed to the
          subroutine, and one, or occasionally more, return values to
          be passed back.
       
          A function is often very similar to a subroutine, the main
          difference being that it is called chiefly for its return
          value, rather than for any side effects.
       
          (1996-10-01)