Looking for a compromise between general and special-purpose programming? This paper introduces programming by questionnaire, a technique that leverages decision tables to construct application programs through the selection of source statements from a predefined file. This approach offers a useful middle ground for a class of large-scale problems. It is proposed that programming by questionnaire is a useful compromise between general and special purpose programming for a significant class of large scale problems. The elements of the approach are discussed and an existing application is described. The elements of the approach are discussed and an existing application is described. It is proposed that programming by questionnaire is a useful compromise between general and special purpose programming for a significant class of large scale problems. Programming by questionnaire combines aspects of decision table programming and general-purpose programming, offering a flexible approach to application development. This method could be valuable for organizations seeking to streamline software creation for specific, well-defined problem domains.
This work is likely relevant to Communications of the ACM due to its focus on programming techniques. It tackles compromise between general and special purpose programming, reflecting the journal's theme.