Analysis

1. Grasp the Issue

   As a Programmer/Analyst, you will inevitably encounter a coding challenge that needs resolution. This defect may have been identified by a user, a tester, or perhaps another developer. Your initial task is to comprehend the problem fully, whether it's presented in writing or verbally. This process is known as analysis.

2. Clarify the Issue

   If the problem has been documented in an incident report, it will already have a written explanation from the reporter. In cases of verbal communication, you must articulate the problem clearly so that others can understand it. This often means simplifying technical jargon for users.

3. Engage with the Client

   After rephrasing the problem in your own words, it’s essential to inform the client about the issue. Strong communication skills are vital here, as you will need to convey the situation effectively to a business-oriented audience. This dialogue should culminate in a written requirement.

Design

4. Identify the Solution

   With the problem articulated, it’s time to devise a fix. This proposed solution should consider not only the immediate issue but also potential effects on other system components. Crafting an effective solution necessitates a broad understanding of the entire system.

5. Secure Approval for the Fix

   Once a viable solution has been outlined, effective communication is again crucial. You must present the proposed fix to the client in an easily understandable manner to obtain their approval for implementation.

6. Document the Specifications

   Before proceeding to code, it’s important to create detailed specifications for the system. These documents serve as guidance for implementing changes and will be useful for future reference. They can take various forms, such as flowcharts, pseudo code, or written descriptions.

Implementation

7. Begin Coding

   Now, it’s time to write the code. Depending on the nature of the issue, the coding changes could be minimal or extensive, potentially taking from a few minutes to several days. Along with writing the code, you must compile your changes, allowing the compiler to check for syntax errors.

Testing

8. Conduct Unit Tests

   After addressing any compiler errors, the next step is to perform unit tests on your code. This stage primarily involves testing by the programmer to ensure that the code operates as intended. Depending on the solution type, tests might involve accessing the code through a CICS screen or executing a batch JCL job.

9. User Acceptance Testing

   If the unit tests are successful, the code will be handed over to the client or user for User Acceptance Testing. The user will perform a series of tests to confirm that the solution meets the initially agreed-upon requirements.

Maintenance

10. Ongoing Code Maintenance

Even after implementation, the code will likely require future modifications due to changing requirements. This maintenance will continue as long as the code remains in active use.

In conclusion, coding is just one of the many skills that a programmer must develop throughout their career. Proficiency in analysis, communication, writing, and testing is equally important. It can be incredibly rewarding to tackle a job that presents such a diverse array of challenges.