What is computer programming? (2023)

In today's world, we all rely heavily on various software products carefully coded by developers. But what is computer programming?

In this article I will provide a definition of programming as well as examples of different types of programmers. I will also suggest a list of courses you can take to start learning programming.

Programming Definition

A computer program is code that runs on a computer to perform specific tasks. This code is written by programmers.

Programming is the process of giving machines a set of instructions that describe how a program should be executed. Programmers spend their entire careers learning a variety of programming languages ​​and tools so they can effectively create computer programs.

Programmers start by using a code editor or IDE to write what is called source code. This is a collection of code written in a programming language that other programmers can read.

The source code must be converted to machine language so that the machines can understand the instructions and execute the program. This process of converting source code into machine language is called compilation.

Examples of compiled programming languages ​​would be C and C++.

There are other languages ​​that don't use compilers. Instead, these languages ​​use an interpreter that reads and executes the code.

Examples of interpreted programming languages ​​would be JavaScript and PHP.

Once the code is executed, the computer program can be executed. Different types of computer programs include word processors, database systems, video games, and websites.

These computer programs allow us to interact with various devices and software services, such as phones, websites, and the computers themselves.

programming history

Many historians believe that Ada Lovelace was the first to create a published computer program in the mid-19th century. She was a mathematician who translated Luigi Federico Menabrea's writings on the Analytical Engine.

In this translation, Ada added her own extensive notes and created a method for calculating the Bernoulli numbers. the analytical engine.

The work of the mathematician Alonzo Church and the Turing machine were the first introductions to computer code.

Computers were developed in the 1920s, followed by the first programming languages. Over the next century, as machines and technology advanced, so did the number of programming languages.

Types of programming languages.

There are hundreds of programming languages. Developers first consider the needs of the application in order to decide which languages ​​are appropriate to use.

Here are some popular programming languages.

• Piton
• JavaScript
• C/C++
• Java
• C#
• Rub
• PHP

Some of these languages ​​are used primarily in one area of ​​development, while others are more general purpose programming languages.

JavaScript is primarily used in web development and is often the first programming language that beginners in web development learn. JavaScript can also be used for mobile device and game development.

Python can be used in a variety of fields, such as data analysis, machine learning, and web development.

Programming languages ​​fall into different categories. Here is a list of some categories.

• Machine Language: A low-level language made up of 0's and 1's (binary). High-level languages ​​are compiled into machine code so that the computer can execute the code.
• assembly language - a low-level language compiled by an assembler. Assemblers translate human code into machine code.
• Procedural Languages: This approach runs a series of procedures before executing a program on the computer. (For example, Go and Juliet)
• Scripting languages: These languages ​​often do not need to be compiled, but rather interpreted. Interpreted means that an interpreter reads the code and executes it instead of compiling it into machine code. (For example JavaScript and PHP)
• Functional languages: This works with the idea of ​​building complex programs through a collection of smaller functions. (for example, Haskell and Scala)
• Object-oriented languages: works with the idea of ​​building programs around collections of objects. (For example, Java and Python)

There are many more software paradigms and languages ​​to explore that we haven't covered in this article. But that should give you a good start on the different types of programming languages.

Types of programming jobs

There are many types of programming jobs to choose from. This article only focuses on a few areas.

Web developer

These types of programmers create applications for the web. You'll work with languages ​​like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, and more.

There are many courses you can take online to teach yourself. You may also go through boot camp, which requires months of intense study.

Salaries vary between locations, but these are typically high-paying jobs.

Here are some resources to check out if you're interested in this space.

• What is web development? How to become a web developer
• Frontend Developer: What is Frontend Development Simply Explained?
• What is a full stack developer? Backend + Frontend = Full Stack Engineer
• Programming Programs - 152 Programming Courses You Can Take Online For Free

mobile developer

These types of developers create applications for mobile devices. Programming languages ​​include React Native, Swift, Flutter, Java, and Kotlin.

There are many courses you can take online to teach yourself. Salaries vary between locations, but these are typically high-paying jobs.

Here are some resources to check out if you're interested in this space.

• What is mobile app development?
• Getting started with Android development
• Programming Programs - 152 Programming Courses You Can Take Online For Free

game development

These programmers will create custom games for use on mobile, desktop, and game consoles. Programming languages ​​can include C++, C#, and Lua.

These programmers will work for both small independent game studios and large international companies such as Sony.

There are many courses you can take online to teach yourself. Salaries vary between locations, but these are typically high-paying jobs.

Here are some resources to check out if you're interested in this space.

• Game Development for Absolute Beginners: Unity Free Course
• Learn game design principles from the developers at Valve Portal
• Programming Programs - 152 Programming Courses You Can Take Online For Free

computer systems engineer

This profession combines computer science and engineering to work on complex business applications. Programming languages ​​include Python, Java, and C++.

The typical educational path would be a formal bachelor's degree in computer science. Salaries will generally be in the six figure range.

Skills programmers should have

A professional programmer has a variety of responsibilities when it comes to creating computer programs.

These are some of the important skills needed when programming.

• Write clean and efficient code
• solve problems
• test applications
• Correction of errors ("bugs") in the code
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to work well in a team
• Patience and perseverance

The job of a programmer is to take into account the needs of the client and create a solid working application. Developers will spend a lot of time researching, building, fixing, and testing their code.

After the app is released, developers spend time maintaining the product and working to improve it.

Conclution

Computer programming can be a very rewarding career, both intellectually and financially. Programmers must be willing to learn new things and solve complex problems.

There are many different areas of programming to explore, such as web, mobile, game development, or systems engineering. Some areas require formal training, while others are open to the self-taught.

I hope you enjoyed this article and good luck on your programming journey.