Computer Programming: Basic Guide
Computer programming is the most fundamental skill in information technology, and for good reason. Programming knowledge underpins all the computer innovations we see. Without computer programming, the world as we know it would cease to exist.
Almost all modern tools and institutions, including global trade, finance, information systems, and more, are built on computer systems. You may have the most innovative app idea in the world, but that idea will only see the light of day if someone has computer programming knowledge to bring it to life.
What is computer programming?
What is computer programming? Computer programming is the art of writing instructions for a computer. These instructions are called "programs".
However "smart" they may seem to the layperson, computers can do nothing on their own. Everything a computer does is the result of programs that people develop to solve problems, meet needs, or achieve goals.
What is a computer program?
A program is a sequence of commands. Each command causes the computer to perform a specific action. Every action in a computer is a precise set of electrical signals.
If a computer program is written correctly and the commands cause the computer to do what the programmer intended, the computer successfully completes the task.
Today, programmers write their instructions in code, which is text written according to the rules of a specific computer language. There are many programming languages.
Among the most popular programming languages are the following:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Python
- C++/C
- C#
- CSS
- HTML
- SQL
Most professionals specialize in several programming languages. But a high-level understanding of programming languages can help professionals master the basics of many others.
Each language works by taking the programmer’s instructions and translating them into binary code — a sequence of "on" and "off" commands (or "0" and "1"). The differences lie in details such as syntax, the ways in which the computer translates the language, and more.
Applications of computer programming
The languages you will learn as a programmer depend on what you want to do. For example:
- JavaScript allows you to create web pages that respond to user requests.
- SQL sends messages to and from databases.
- C codes operating systems such as Windows or Linux.
- Python is popular for creating machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.
Many languages have multiple uses. For example:
- Python can process data and create data structures, but programmers also use it to build web applications.
- Java, a language distinct from JavaScript, is used in the Android operating system as well as in many business programs.
What do programmers do?
Professional programmers spend most of their day doing one of four things:
- Creating new code from scratch.
- Building new code based on existing code to create new functionality.
- Testing others’ code before a product release.
- Debugging code to achieve the desired function.
The ultimate goal is to create a working application, web page, or piece of computer software. If something goes wrong, the programmer looks for an error ("bug") and finds an appropriate fix.
Computer science and computer programming
A frequent question is: what is the difference between computer science and programming?
Computer programming involves building things with code. Programming is a hands-on technical skill that includes designing, creating, and refining code to solve problems, build applications, etc.
Computer science is a theoretical field that encompasses mathematics and computer systems. Instead of building applications, computer scientists solve more abstract problems such as algorithms (finding faster methods of computing numbers), graph problems, and more. Computer scientists are also researchers and designers who study computer systems and software. They often develop ideas about how to better solve problems using computers, which programmers later implement in their work.
Are computer programmers the same as software developers?
Software developers can be considered programmers working in a "specific area". They don’t just write code; they consider software and applications from a high-level perspective and design the technical elements that will work together to achieve the final result.
A programmer might automate a task, write a simple script, and be done. A software developer, however, is responsible for creating an entire application. They must choose and implement specific features based on user needs and create models that define what code the application will require. Software developers need to consider more complex design questions, such as whether to use so-called "object-oriented programming," "functional programming," and/or others.
Not all programmers are qualified software developers, but most software developers possess programming skills.