What is Computer Programming
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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 profession also extends to the adaptation of software for internal use, and the insertion of code that allows a program to be modified for a function that is unique to a given environment. When this is the case, the computer programmer may be employed with a company that wishes to use existing software as the foundation for a customized platform that will be utilized as part of the company intranet. A third aspect of computer programming is the ongoing maintenance of software that is currently running as part of a network. Here, the programmer may work hand in hand with other information technology specialists to identify issues with current programs, and take steps to adapt or rewrite sections of code in order to correct a problem or enhance a function in some manner.
In short, computer programming is all about developing, adapting, and maintaining all the programs that
many of us rely upon for both work and play. Programmers are constantly in demand for all of these three functions, since businesses and individuals are always looking for new and better ways to make use of computer technology for all sorts of tasks. With this in mind, computer programming is a very stable profession to enter, and provides many different possibilities of employment opportunities.
What Is Source Code?
Source code refers to the programming language one uses to write a program. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of forms of source code. Some computer languages include C++, Java, and Unix. Often people refer to source code of websites, which means programming conducted in HTML and possibly Java. In most Internet browsers, one has the option of viewing an Internet page in source code format. This is actually quite helpful for people learning to program in HTML. One can look at source code and figure out how to do a table, construct a list, or make a hyperlink. People often use source code from websites they like to achieve a similar look to a page they are constructing. While it is fine to use source code to create different things like tables, columns or separations on a website, it is important not to copy graphics that come from source code or other websites, unless they are free to use. This would come under the heading of Internet plagiarism, and could lead to problems for one¶s new website. Thus source code can be used to learn how to do something, but should never completely copy text or pictures.
In HTML, source code can be differentiated from text and pictures, as code instructions will almost always initiate in < > format. If one viewsthe source code of this page, one will note that the above bold word of "views" is surrounded by code. This is because HTML requires this information in source code in order to present the word in bold format. When viewing the source code, it may be noted that all hyperlinks are surrounded by source code instructions. Each paragraph begins and ends with <p>, meaning "paragraph." In order to italicize a word, the word is put between <em> and </em>. Often the "/" is taken to mean one is ending a particular set of instructions. Note that many word processing programs may not be appropriate for writing HTML source code. Many do not recognize some of the symbols used, like quotation marks. Often one can obtain free programs, which allow the user to write source code that is easy to upload to an Internet site. As well, many website programming programs exist for purchase and may eliminate the need to know a lot of source code.
What Does a Programmer Do?
A programmer, also frequently referred to as a computer programmer, is commonly perceived as the brains behind a computer program. She typically writes detailed instructions that guide a computer through the logical steps necessary to process information to be used for specific applications. When a typical computer user initiates the screen command ³view source,´ the symbols and largely unidentifiable language that appear on the screen are normally the work of a programmer. Programmers are employed by almost every sector of business, including profit and nonprofit companies. They can be found in hospitals, educational institutions and government agencies. Engineering firms as well as production and manufacturing facilities regularly hire programmers. Some companies employ these professionals full-time while others only contract with programmers as required by the needs of the company. Before a programmer embarks on a project, she normally confers with the employer to clearly understand the goals of the proposed program. Once she fully comprehends the program¶s objective, the programmer typically constructs a flow chart that depicts how the information should travel through the system in a logical and orderly fashion. Software engineers and systems analysts are often asked to advise on this stage of the program development. The language the programmer chooses for her program largely depends on the nature of the application. Some typical languages used to create Web sites and interactive forms include HTML, XML, XHTML and PHP. A common language for administrative, finance and business system applications is COBOL. Once a program is complete, a programmer is generally required to run it to identify glitches in the context, content or language. This process, commonly called debugging, continues until the program is deemed complete and operational. Debugging can take anywhere from a few days to more than a year depending on the number of errors and the length of the program. A software engineer may again be called upon for assistance during this phase of programming. The most common area in which programmers work is applications programming. Persons who focus on this type of programming normally specialize in writing language for a specific field, such as accounting or science. They differ from systems programmers who traditionally customize existing system programming to help old hardware successfully work with new hardware.
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 profession also extends to the adaptation of software for internal use, and the insertion of code that allows a program to be modified for a function that is unique to a given environment. When this is the case, the computer programmer may be employed with a company that wishes to use existing software as the foundation for a customized platform that will be utilized as part of the company intranet. A third aspect of computer programming is the ongoing maintenance of software that is currently running as part of a network. Here, the programmer may work hand in hand with other information technology specialists to identify issues with current programs, and take steps to adapt or rewrite sections of code in order to correct a problem or enhance a function in some manner.
In short, computer programming is all about developing, adapting, and maintaining all the programs that
many of us rely upon for both work and play. Programmers are constantly in demand for all of these three functions, since businesses and individuals are always looking for new and better ways to make use of computer technology for all sorts of tasks. With this in mind, computer programming is a very stable profession to enter, and provides many different possibilities of employment opportunities.
What Is Source Code?
Source code refers to the programming language one uses to write a program. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of forms of source code. Some computer languages include C++, Java, and Unix. Often people refer to source code of websites, which means programming conducted in HTML and possibly Java. In most Internet browsers, one has the option of viewing an Internet page in source code format. This is actually quite helpful for people learning to program in HTML. One can look at source code and figure out how to do a table, construct a list, or make a hyperlink. People often use source code from websites they like to achieve a similar look to a page they are constructing. While it is fine to use source code to create different things like tables, columns or separations on a website, it is important not to copy graphics that come from source code or other websites, unless they are free to use. This would come under the heading of Internet plagiarism, and could lead to problems for one¶s new website. Thus source code can be used to learn how to do something, but should never completely copy text or pictures.
In HTML, source code can be differentiated from text and pictures, as code instructions will almost always initiate in < > format. If one viewsthe source code of this page, one will note that the above bold word of "views" is surrounded by code. This is because HTML requires this information in source code in order to present the word in bold format. When viewing the source code, it may be noted that all hyperlinks are surrounded by source code instructions. Each paragraph begins and ends with <p>, meaning "paragraph." In order to italicize a word, the word is put between <em> and </em>. Often the "/" is taken to mean one is ending a particular set of instructions. Note that many word processing programs may not be appropriate for writing HTML source code. Many do not recognize some of the symbols used, like quotation marks. Often one can obtain free programs, which allow the user to write source code that is easy to upload to an Internet site. As well, many website programming programs exist for purchase and may eliminate the need to know a lot of source code.
What Does a Programmer Do?
A programmer, also frequently referred to as a computer programmer, is commonly perceived as the brains behind a computer program. She typically writes detailed instructions that guide a computer through the logical steps necessary to process information to be used for specific applications. When a typical computer user initiates the screen command ³view source,´ the symbols and largely unidentifiable language that appear on the screen are normally the work of a programmer. Programmers are employed by almost every sector of business, including profit and nonprofit companies. They can be found in hospitals, educational institutions and government agencies. Engineering firms as well as production and manufacturing facilities regularly hire programmers. Some companies employ these professionals full-time while others only contract with programmers as required by the needs of the company. Before a programmer embarks on a project, she normally confers with the employer to clearly understand the goals of the proposed program. Once she fully comprehends the program¶s objective, the programmer typically constructs a flow chart that depicts how the information should travel through the system in a logical and orderly fashion. Software engineers and systems analysts are often asked to advise on this stage of the program development. The language the programmer chooses for her program largely depends on the nature of the application. Some typical languages used to create Web sites and interactive forms include HTML, XML, XHTML and PHP. A common language for administrative, finance and business system applications is COBOL. Once a program is complete, a programmer is generally required to run it to identify glitches in the context, content or language. This process, commonly called debugging, continues until the program is deemed complete and operational. Debugging can take anywhere from a few days to more than a year depending on the number of errors and the length of the program. A software engineer may again be called upon for assistance during this phase of programming. The most common area in which programmers work is applications programming. Persons who focus on this type of programming normally specialize in writing language for a specific field, such as accounting or science. They differ from systems programmers who traditionally customize existing system programming to help old hardware successfully work with new hardware.
