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Definition: subroutine


A group of instructions that perform a specific task. A large subroutine might be called a "module" or "procedure" and even be contained in a separate file. The term subroutine is somewhat of a dated term, but it is still quite valid. A more timely term is "function." For example, the C/C++ language is structured as nothing but functions, but subroutines exist in all programs.

Subroutine, Routine or Function
Whether called a "subroutine," "routine" or "function," it is a set of program instructions that performs a specific task. When the execution of the subroutine is completed, the computer returns to the instruction following the instruction that called the subroutine to begin with. See function, DLL and C.