procedure

A procedure is a set of ordered steps designed to achieve a specific outcome. It is a methodical way to perform a task, typically described in a document such as a standard operating procedure (SOP) or manual. The term derives from Latin procedere, “to go forward.” Procedures emphasize repeatability, consistency, and safety by defining who performs what, when, and how.

In practical use, procedures appear in many fields: manufacturing and healthcare use SOPs to standardize routines; scientific research uses experimental procedures to document materials, methods, and conditions so experiments can be reproduced; quality assurance uses procedures to check compliance and manage risks.

In computing, a procedure (or subroutine) is a block of code that performs a task; in some languages a procedure does not return a value, unlike a function. In law and government, procedure refers to the formal steps and rules governing a process, such as court procedure or parliamentary procedure.

Good procedures are clear, unambiguous, tested, and subject to revision. They may include flowcharts, responsibilities, safety considerations, and criteria for completion. Limitations include rigidity and the risk of becoming outdated; procedures should be reviewed regularly and adapted to new evidence or conditions.