Procedures and comments vs. the banker's algorithm

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was performed to compare the effects of modularity (using internal procedures) and comments on the readability of the Banker's Algorithm. The readability of 4 editions of the program, each having a different combination of these factors, was inferred from the accuracy with which students could answer questions about the program after reading its text. Results of the experiment suggest that the Banker's Algorithm is more readable with in-line code than with internal procedures, and that the author's comments improve its readability.

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