What is computer programming?
Computer programming is a field that has to do with the analytical creation of source code that can be used to configure computer systems. Computer programmers may choose to function in a broad range of programming functions, or specialize in some aspect of development, support, or maintenance of computers for the home or workplace. Programmers provide the basis for the creation and ongoing function of the systems that many people rely upon for all sorts of information exchange, both business related and for entertainment purposes. The computer programmer often focuses on the development of software that allows people to perform a broad range of functions. All online functions that are utilized in the home and office owe their origins to a programmer or group of programmers. Computer operating systems, office suites, word processing programs, and even Internet dialing software all exist because of the work of programmers. Computer programming goes beyond software development. The profe
Writing software, computer programs, is describing how to do something. In its simplest form, it is a lot like writing down the steps it takes to do something – a process. But, if what you need to do is not obvious or it involves multiple objects (each with their own process) writing the program will challenge you like when you are solving puzzles. So, writing a computer program can be like composing music, like building a house, like creating lots of stuff. It has been argued that in its current state, it is an Art, not engineering. An important reason to consider learning a bit about how to program a computer is that the concepts underlying it will be valuable to you, regardless of whether or not you go on to make a career out of it. One thing that you will learn quickly is that a computer is very dumb. It does exactly what you tell it to do, which is not necessarily what you wanted. Programming will help you learn the importance of clarity of expression.
Writing computer programs means writing instructions, that will make the computer follow and run a program based on those instructions. To explain how programming works, I will give a brief history. The basic instructions are composed of a sequence of ons and offs, that the computer follows as it runs them through the processor, turning switches on and off. The ons are coded (meaning written in programming) with an 1, and the offs with a 0. Numbers and letters are also represented by this; 0000=0, 0001=1, 0010=2, 0011=3, etc.
