LESSON 1 PROGRAM AND PROGRAMMING

PROGRAM

 

A computer program is a series of organised instructions that directs a computer to perform tasks. Without programs, computers are useless.

A program is like a recipe. It contains a list of variables (called ingredients)  and a list of statements (called directions) that tell the computer what to do with the variables.

Like a recipe, a program can be written in different programming languages which may express the steps differently according to the programming language syntax, but deliver the same end result.

PROGRAMMING

Programming is a creation of a set of commands or instructions which directs a computer in carrying out a task.

Later these commands or instructions will be compiled and/or interpreted and then transformed to executable instructions that a computer or electronic device can execute or run.

 

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

A programming language is a set of words, symbols and codes that enables humans to communicate with computers.

It is a language used for writing computer programs, that direct a computer to perform computation and to organise the flow of control between mechanical devices.

EXAMPLES PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

Hundreds of programming languages exist today. Each language has its own standard or rules for writing the commands and/or instructions.

Examples of programming languages are:

• BASIC (Beginner’s All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)
• Pascal
• C
• Smalltalk.

EXT : CAREER IN PROGRAMMING

A programmer is someone who writes computer programs. One who adopts and practices a formal approach to programming is sometimes also referred to as a programmer analyst, computer scientist, software engineer and software analyst.

A programmer analyst designs computer programs besides writing them.

A computer scientist is a generic or broad term for a professional with expertise in computer software.

These different job titles are quite subjective as different companies may define them differently. Professional programmers may work in corporate IT departments, software houses and service companies.

Sometimes professional programmers work for consulting companies and their work often takes them to their client’s workplace.