A procedure is a series of activities, tasks, steps, decisions, calculations and other processes, that when undertaken in the sequence laid down produces the described result, product or outcome. Following a procedure should produce repeatable results for the same input conditions.

Recorded procedures are usually called instructions or recipes. High-level procedures are sometimes known as methods.

For example, the procedure for baking a cake from a packet mix may consist of the following steps:

1. Pre-heating the oven.
2. Opening the mix box.
3. Mixing the batter.
4. Putting the cake in.
5. Removing it when it's done.

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In mathematics and science, a procedure, or algorithm, is a sequence of tasks or calculations that accomplish some goal.

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In computer science, procedure is a subprogram, generally one which returns or is intended to return no direct result to its caller.

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In law, procedure is the body of law and rules used in the administration of justice in the court system, see: civil procedure and criminal procedure.

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See also

• HowTo
• Recipe
• Function closure