Precondition (also referred to as preconditioning) is a term used in computer programming to refer to a set of initial conditions that must be met before a certain algorithm or process can be successfully executed. It is used to ensure that the correct resources and conditions are in place for a given operation to succeed.
Preconditions are tests or validations that are run before executing any code. These tests check the state of the system and other variables to make sure the current conditions meet the requirements of the algorithm or process. Such conditions can include verifying that a given resource exists, checking if the values of certain variables meet certain criteria, or confirming that user input is valid. If any of these preconditions are not met, the execution of the code will be stopped and the operation will fail.
Preconditioning may be done manually by the programmer or through the use of automated systems. Code verification can help ensure that the necessary preconditions are met before the program is executed, thereby minimizing potential problems caused by incorrect or incomplete input.
Preconditioning is an important concept in computer programming, as it helps to ensure the proper functioning of algorithms and processes. It also serves as a safeguard to ensure that only valid inputs are accepted, which can prevent errors or unexpected behavior.
