Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The "summing_machine" procedure refers to a specific set of instructions or code that performs the task of adding up numbers in a program. It takes input numbers and returns their sum.
Related terms
Function: A function is similar to a procedure, but it also has an output or return value. In this case, the "summing_machine" procedure could be considered as a type of function since it returns the sum.
Parameter: A parameter is a variable or value that is passed into a procedure or function. In the case of the "summing_machine" procedure, it would accept parameters such as the list of numbers to add up.
An algorithm refers to step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or performing a task. The "summing_machine" procedure could be seen as an algorithm for adding up numbers.