What term describes a reusable block of code or instructions that can be called in a program?

The term that describes a reusable block of code or instructions that can be called in a program is a function. Functions are fundamental building blocks in programming that allow developers to encapsulate a specific task or set of instructions. When a function is defined, it can be executed or called from various parts of the program, promoting code reusability and making it easier to manage and maintain the code.

Functions can take inputs, known as parameters, and return outputs, allowing for dynamic behavior depending on the values provided. This ability to reuse the same block of code in different contexts reduces redundancy, promotes efficiency, and enhances clarity in programming.

While procedures, methods, and algorithms are related concepts, they have distinct meanings. Procedures typically refer to blocks of code that perform tasks but may not necessarily return a value. Methods are similar to functions but are specifically associated with object-oriented programming and are tied to objects or classes. Algorithms are broader in nature, describing a series of steps or rules to solve a problem rather than being a reusable block of code within a programming language context.