Preconditions and Postconditions ColoradoPreconditions和后置条件科罗拉多.pptVIP

Here again you see the precondition of the example. The right way to read this is as a warning that says: Watch Out! This function requires that x is greater than or equal to zero. If you violate this condition, then the results are totally unpredictable. So, here are three possible function calls. Two of the calls meet the precondition and have predictable results. In one of the calls, the precondition fails, and the result of the function call is unpredictable. Which function call is the trouble maker? The second and third function calls are fine. The second call has an argument of zero, but thats acceptable since the precondition only requires that x is greater than or equal to zero. But the first function call causes trouble. This function call, which violates the precondition, must never be made by a program. In a few minutes youll see exactly how much trouble can arise from such a violation. For now, just take my word, do not violate preconditions. Before we continue, take one more quick look at the postcondition: As you know, it states what the function will accomplish between the time the function starts executing and the time the function finishes executing. One more important point which isnt written on the slide: Provided that the precondition is valid, then the function is also required to finish executing. Infinite loops are not permitted, and neither is crashing the computer. Heres one more example, which demonstrates how you can use ordinary English to express the precondition and postcondition. The writing of these expressions should be clear and concise. The goal is to communicate to another programmer two things: 1. What must be true in order for that programmer to use the function; and 2. What work the function will accomplish. In this example, the work accomplished is nothing more than computing a value which the function returns. Again, notice that there is enough information for you to use the function without knowing a thin