7/29/24, 3:12 AM Computer Programming - Overview
Computer Programming - Overview
Introduction to Computer Program
Before getting into computer programming, let us first understand computer programs and
what they do.
A computer program is a sequence of instructions written using a Computer
Programming Language to perform a specified task by the computer.
The two important terms that we have used in the above definition are −
Sequence of instructions
Computer Programming Language
To understand these terms, consider a situation when someone asks you about how to go
to a nearby KFC. What exactly do you do to tell him the way to go to KFC?
You will use Human Language to tell the way to go to KFC, something as follows −
First go straight, after half kilometer, take left from the red light and then drive
around one kilometer and you will find KFC at the right.
Here, you have used English Language to give several steps to be taken to reach KFC. If
they are followed in the following sequence, then you will reach KFC −
1. Go straight
2. Drive half kilometer
3. Take left
4. Drive around one kilometer
5. Search for KFC at your right side
Now, try to map the situation with a computer program. The above sequence of
instructions is actually a Human Program written in English Language, which instructs
on how to reach KFC from a given starting point. This same sequence could have been
given in Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, or any other human language, provided the person
seeking direction knows any of these languages.
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7/29/24, 3:12 AM Computer Programming - Overview
Now, let's go back and try to understand a computer program, which is a sequence of
instructions written in a Computer Language to perform a specified task by the computer.
Following is a simple program written in Python programming Language −
print "Hello, World!"
The above computer program instructs the computer to print "Hello, World!" on the
computer screen.
A computer program is also called a computer software, which can range from
two lines to millions of lines of instructions.
Computer program instructions are also called program source code and computer
programming is also called program coding.
A computer without a computer program is just a dump box; it is programs that
make computers active.
As we have developed so many languages to communicate among ourselves, computer
scientists have developed several computer-programming languages to provide
instructions to the computer (i.e., to write computer programs). We will see several
computer programming languages in the subsequent chapters.
Introduction to Computer Programming
If you understood what a computer program is, then we will say: the act of writing
computer programs is called computer programming.
As we mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of programming languages, which can be
used to write computer programs and following are a few of them −
Java
C
C++
Python
PHP
Perl
Ruby
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7/29/24, 3:12 AM Computer Programming - Overview
Uses of Computer Programs
Today computer programs are being used in almost every field, household, agriculture,
medical, entertainment, defense, communication, etc. Listed below are a few applications
of computer programs −
MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc., are
examples of computer programs.
Computer programs are being used to develop graphics and special effects in
movie making.
Computer programs are being used to perform Ultrasounds, X-Rays, and other
medical examinations.
Computer programs are being used in our mobile phones for SMS, Chat, and voice
communication.
Computer Programmer
Someone who can write computer programs or in other words, someone who can do
computer programming is called a Computer Programmer.
Based on computer programming language expertise, we can name a computer
programmers as follows −
C Programmer
C++ Programmer
Java Programmer
Python Programmer
PHP Programmer
Perl Programmer
Ruby Programmer
Algorithm
From programming point of view, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to resolve any
problem. An algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite set of well-defined
instructions.
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7/29/24, 3:12 AM Computer Programming - Overview
Thus, a computer programmer lists down all the steps required to resolve a problem
before writing the actual code. Following is a simple example of an algorithm to find out
the largest number from a given list of numbers −
1. Get a list of numbers L1, L2, L3....LN
2. Assume L1 is the largest, Largest = L1
3. Take next number Li from the list and do the following
4. If Largest is less than Li
5. Largest = Li
6. If Li is last number from the list then
7. Print value stored in Largest and come out
8. Else repeat same process starting from step 3
The above algorithm has been written in a crude way to help beginners understand the
concept. You will come across more standardized ways of writing computer algorithms as
you move on to advanced levels of computer programming.
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