Computer Programming is the method used to create Computer Software (or Computer Programs). For example, if we want to create a program to calculate numbers called "Calculator" or create a game called "MacPan" we would use the technique called Computer Programming to create our program. Most, if not all, Computer Programming requires the use of a Programming Language.
What is a Computer Language?
A Computer Language (or Programming Language) is a means for us to communicate with the computer. Just like you would have to learn French to speak to a French-speaking person you can learn a computer language to "speak" with a Computer. There are many different computer languages in existance, some of the more common ones are: BASIC, CoBOL, ForTran, Pascal, C, C++. Perhaps you've heard of one or more of these.
What is a Computer Programmer?
A Computer Programmer is a person who uses a Computer Language to create a Computer Program. When you create a Computer Program for this class or any other purpose you are a Computer Programmer. Professional Computer Programmers can either work individually or as a team in a large corporation. Since Computer Programmers are currently in high demand they will usually get paid quite well.
The best way to use a Programming Language to create a Computer Program is to break down the entire task into smaller step by step instructions. These step by step instructions are known as an algorithm.
Algorithms
An algorithm is a step by step solution to solve a problem. We use many algorithms in our every day life without even thinking about it. For example, a problem in every day life would be how to buy something at the store. The solution can be stated as an algorithm:
Bring the item to the checkout counter
If there is a line-up wait go to the back of the line and wait your turn
Wait for the cashier to tell you how much money it is
Give the cashier money
Wait for and receive any change you may get back
Take your item
Leave the store
Obviously, not everything is included in this algorithm such as decision making steps. For example, if you wanted to use your bank card to pay for your item you would need to do different steps (such as entering the pin number and account information). Also, if you had a cart load of items you would need to take one item out and place it on the counter and keep repeating this until your cart is empty. In computer terms this type of repetition is known as a loop. Before we create a computer program we need to do some thinking of what is actually needed and break it into smaller steps (algorithms) that are easier to deal with.
Please read the following pages to help you understand more about this topic.