menu-driven programming

noun
UK /ˈmɛnjuː ˈdrɪvən ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/
US /ˈmɛnjuː ˈdrɪvən ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/

A way of making a computer program where you pick what to do from a list of choices.

The cash machine uses menu-driven programming so you can choose to check your balance or take out money.

SYNONYMS

menu-based programmingchoice-based programminglist-driven programmingoption-based programming

RELATED WORDS

menuuser interfacecommand linegraphical user interfacenavigation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A programming style where the main control flow is a loop that displays options and waits for the user's selection.

In menu-driven programming, the program keeps showing the menu until the user chooses to exit.

3. A design approach for software in which features are organized into selectable menus rather than typed commands.

The old text editor was built with menu-driven programming, so beginners found it easy to use.

4. A teaching method in introductory coding classes where students build simple programs around a menu of options.

The teacher introduced menu-driven programming by having students write a quiz program with a start menu.