1. Elements

2. Example of Structured English

3. Criticism
     Other specification tools  

4. See also

5. References

It is the basis of some programming languages such as SQL (Structured Query Language) "for use by people who have need for interaction with a large database but who are not trained programmers".^[2]

Elements

Structured English is a limited-form "pseudocode" and consists of the following elements:

1. Operation statements written as English phrases executed from the top down
2. Conditional blocks indicated by keywords such as IF, THEN, and ELSE
3. Repetition blocks indicated by keywords such as DO, WHILE, and UNTIL

The following guidelines are used when writing Structured English:^[3]

1. All logic should be expressed in operational, conditional, and repetition blocks
2. Statements should be clear and unambiguous
3. Logical blocks should be indented to show relationship and hierarchy
4. Use one line per logical element, or indent the continuation line
5. Keywords should be capitalized
6. Group blocks of statements together, with a capitalized name that describes their function and end with an EXIT.
7. Underline words or phrases defined in a data dictionary
8. Mark comment lines with an asterisk

Example of Structured English

APPROVE LOAN

 IF customer has a Bank Account THEN    IF Customer has no dues from previous account THEN       Allow loan facility    ELSE       IF Management Approval is obtained THEN          Allow loan facility       ELSE          Reject       ENDIF    ENDIF ELSE    Reject ENDIF EXIT

Criticism

Though useful for planning programs, modules and routines, or describing algorithms it is less useful when numerous decisions need to be made.^[4]

Other specification tools

System processes at a lower level involve lot of computations and require more precision and clarity. This can be achieved with tools such as decision trees or decision tables.

See also

• Natural language programming
• Self-documenting code
• Structured programming
• Pseudocode
• Decision Tree
• Decision tables
  • Attempto Controlled English

References

• Pennycomequick
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• Penny Cula-Reid
• Penny Cyclopaedia
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• Pennydale, Victoria
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• Penny debate in the United States
• Penny DeHaven
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• Penny Dreadful (2006 film)
• Penny Dreadful (film)
• Penny Dreadful (movie)
• Penny Dreadful (novel)
• Penny dreadfuls