What is Programming: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Computer programming is the process of designing and building an executable computer program to accomplish a specific computing result or to perform a specific task. Programming involves tasks such as: analysis, generating algorithms, profiling algorithms' accuracy and resource consumption, and the implementation of algorithms in a chosen programming language (commonly referred to as coding). The source code of a program is written in one or more languages that are intelligible to programmers, rather than machine code, which is directly executed by the central processing unit. The purpose of programming is to find a sequence of instructions that will automate the performance of a task (which can be as complex as an operating system) on a computer, often for solving a given problem. Proficient programming thus often requires expertise in several different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms, and formal logic.
Tasks accompanying and related to programming include: testing, debugging, source code maintenance, implementation of build systems, and management of derived artifacts, such as the machine code of computer programs. These might be considered part of the programming process, but often the term software development is used for this larger process with the term programming, implementation, or coding reserved for the actual writing of code. Software engineering combines engineering techniques with software development practices. Reverse engineering is a related process used by designers, analysts and programmers to understand and re-create/re-implement.

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  1. Henry R

    MHB How can I effectively perform matrix operations in C programming language?

    Good day everyone. I'm learning C language at the moment. Plus, matrix is bit harder. It just I couldn't understand how to write it in C programming language. Plus, it's maths calculations. I have to use C language for this, not C++.Here's the question : A matrix is an array of numbers which can...
  2. A

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    No, I'm not asking what language to learn, etc. I started learning python last year and i was wrapping my head around the basic concepts and even making some nifty programs. However, one day I just got frustrated and gave up. I know frustration is common but I felt very stupid while...
  3. G

    Winning Lines for Tic-Tac-Toe (C programming)

    The Question Winning Lines Tic-tac-toe is a game played by two players o and x. A player wins when he/she succeeds in placing three respective marks in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row. Given a 3-by-3 tic-tac-toe board, a winning line is a line (row, column or diagonal) that is not...
  4. sheldonrocks97

    Write a C program to read values for times from the input file?

    Homework Statement Write a C program to read values for times from the input file times.txt; compute sin(5*pi*t) for each time t given in times.txt; output comma separated values of t, sin(5*pi*t) into an output file named output.csv; and compile the program using a makefile. Hand in a copy of...
  5. Q

    Calculators TI-89 how to save result of an embedded funtion to a variable

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  6. H

    Necessities to switch to IT/Programming Career?

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  7. R

    Project Ideas to enhance my knowledge of programming

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  8. _N3WTON_

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  9. H

    MHB Linear Programming Formulation problem faced - Maximization problem

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  10. D

    Can Anyone Help with Simple C Programming in Ax=B Homework?

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  11. P

    What to know in order to be able to do game programming?

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  12. KleZMeR

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    Hi All, I am probably opening a can of worms here, but I am interested in everyone's thoughts on this. Forgive the simplified question, but I think you all will know what I am asking. What programming language should I really get involved into increase my marketability as an employee? I have...
  13. D

    Simple C programming for gaussian

    Homework Statement make a gaussian elimination in C the one we used on matrix to find x1 x2 and x3 if the matrix is 3x3 Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h> #include <math.h> int main() { int i,j,k,n; float...
  14. Greg Bernhardt

    GeSHi syntax highlighting for nearly 200 programming languages

    Physics Forums now supports GeSHi syntax highlighting for nearly 200 programming languages. Simply hit the </> button on the editor. Select the code option, use general code, type in your code. Then in the first bbcode tag put in the language you want to use. For example: use strict; # Read...
  15. P

    Comp Sci Using methods in java programming

    We are asked to make a program to prompt the user to choose between calculating the perimeter of a circle or triangle. We are supposed to use at least 5 methods. I believe I have created the appropriate methods but my real problem is with method calling.Homework Equationsimport java.util.*...
  16. 22990atinesh

    What is the meaning of term "Framework" in Programming Environment ?

    Hello, What is the meaning of term "Framework" (Programming Environment). I've usually keep hearing this term, But didn't understand the meaning. Suppose we we say .NET Framework, then what actually does it refers.
  17. D

    Programming a Projectile Motion Question

    Hello all! I'm trying to program a projectile motion question and I'm having some trouble with the physics that's involved. The program allows you to input the starting height, initial velocity, launch angle and the distance to a wall (also a window on the wall, but that isn't important for...
  18. A

    Schools Can i learn programming in university?

    I'm going straight to the point- I'm lazy and have poor self discipline. I'm trying to fix it but it's taking its time (right now I'm trying to make myself study regularly). I've always been interested in programming, but I've never had the discipline to self-learn the subject. I tinkered with...
  19. I

    MHB Calculating Triangle Area Using C++ Programming

    Hi everyone (Wave) In this project, given three sides from users, the area of a triangle is required to be printed out. If the three sides do not form a valid triangle, an error message should be displayed. Google for the formula and call math functions to calculate the area. Check the attached...
  20. Rectifier

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  21. Basimalasi

    Can anyone solve this riddle using programming softwares?

    Hello computer science people, riddle me this... you have three black boxes and three red boxes. You want to connect each black box with the three red boxes without making the lines interact with each other. can you do it ? or is it unsolvable ? Like this :
  22. G

    MONIAC Computer Programming Company

    I'm creating a alternate history/soft sci-fi novel with a company that developed and tested MONIAC Computers for the military before programming for profit in the 1960's. I'm looking to determine a fictional development timeline as well as a way to figure out the commercial use and profitability...
  23. PeteyCoco

    Programming Function With Cut On Negative Imaginary Axis

    The Function To Be Programmed \sigma_m=\frac{4(n_r^2 -1)J_m(n_r k R)}{\pi^2kD_m^+(kR)D_m^-(kR)} where D_m(z)=n_rJ'_m(n_rz)H_m(z)-J_m(n_rz)H'_m(z). The '+'/'-' superscripts indicate the limits as z approaches the branch cut, which lies along the negative imaginary half axis, from the positive...
  24. I

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    So I'm currently developing a simple iOS Application, written in Objective-C, and I recently came across this problem. the first problem says "Expected identifier or '( '" The second problem says "Missing '@end'" even though '@end' is clearly there. Any help would be great.
  25. G

    Optimization Programming - Which Algorithm?

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  26. TheDemx27

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  27. K

    Comp Sci Programming assignment question (Java)

    I'm not sure if I came to the right place/forum to ask this question, but I have a programming assignment and I need help on one of the question. It's part of the Peking University's online judge questions. It shouldn't be hard for people who understand it. Link: http://poj.org/problem?id=1005...
  28. T

    Programming Languages: C++, Objective C, Java & More

    C++ is good for writing games Objective C is good for IOS app Java is good for Android app. Any other examples of programming languages?
  29. kartikwat

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    What does object based programming mean?how does it localises the implementation details ,i tried to read it from book but i dint got it.
  30. T

    EEPROM Save Data Arduino Programming Help

    hi guys, so I'm trying to save data onto my EEPROM, the problem is it works for a while of data, but not all of it. I'm not sure if its a problem with reading though, or the writing part. Essentially I'm writing an integer value into the EEPROM to obtain later, although I expect to have quite a...
  31. A

    Programming language or software for scientific/didactic animations

    Hello everybody! I'm looking for some good software or programming language suitable for creating some sort of animations aimed to didactic exposure of scientific topics. What I want to do is an application that allows to interactively follow the evolution of a star's internal structure...
  32. A

    Graphics programming for Windows - what tools to use?

    I have plenty of experience of other systems, from right back to Calcomp pen plotters and the first graphics terminals up to OpenGL, but I haven't done any graphics programming for a few years and I've never programmed graphics on Windows before. So the question is, what libraries...
  33. W

    Linear Programming - satisfaction only at least one constraint

    Linear Programming - satisfaction of only at least one constraint Hi Is there a form of relaxation/modification of an LP of the form \text{min }\;\;f^\mathsf{T}x\\\mathbf{A}x\leq b such that if only anyone of the constraints is satisfied, then the solution ##x## is regarded as feasible...
  34. T

    Fortran Fortran programming help arrays and arithmetic

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  35. Algr

    Apple Swift programming language

    I used to program in Microsoft Quickbasic before MS abandoned it. I wasn't too advanced - my best program was a variant on Minesweeper. That was ages ago, but I'd like to get back into programing. Now Apple has this Swift programing language. Is swift a good choice for me?
  36. I

    [Programming - C] character generator for a game

    Context: Question: Code I have thusfar: #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h> #include <time.h> #include <string.h> #define MAX_STAT enum { STR, DEX, INT, CON, WIS, CHA, LEVEL, MAX_STAT }; struct Character { int level; int class; int HP...
  37. Ascendant78

    Programs Best computer programming for particle astrophysics major?

    I am not taking any courses this summer and was wondering what computer programming would be ideal to learn for someone focusing on a particle astrophysics major?
  38. A

    C Programming: acos() not accepting variable

    The following function acos() does not accept any variables. I have included the math.h header. For example i = 1; acos(i/2); // This should be equal to 60
  39. J

    How Does Car Type and Investment Limit Affect Dealership Profit Maximization?

    Homework Statement A manager of an automobile dealership must decide how many cars to order for the new model year in order to maximize his profit. There are two types of cars: midsize cars and compact cars. The selling price and costs are listed in the following table: Car type -- Selling...
  40. adjacent

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  41. A

    How to build different structures using programming

    Hi All, Greetings..! I am a master student in nanoelectronics from India. I wish to know how to generate nanostructures (for example as shown in figure attached) using programming (C/Python). Are there any algorithms or literature that discuss how some random structure of...
  42. B

    ANSYS Workbench/APDL Programming

    Hi, I want to make a script which will give message to a user as soon as we replace geometry in ansys workbench. Message will be about the material, A popup window will show default material is structural steel please assign appropriate material to all components. Will it be possible with...
  43. L

    How essential is programming for BS degree holder?

    Hey guys, I am graduating in about a month or so. I have applied to only a few graduate schools due to financial problems, but i was just rejected from my first school earlier this week. I am starting to worry that i won't get into graduate school this year.. I have some subsidized loans out...
  44. T

    How can I use linear programming to distribute S into two bins?

    I have a problem at work I'm trying to solve and I can't figure out a good way to do it, hoping someone might be able to help. I have put the relevant info in the below pastebin. Basically I want to distribute some amount of S into two bins, one of which is split into smaller bins, in such a way...
  45. A

    MHB Linear Programming Question

    Hello everyone, I am stuck on the problem given below. I am know how to set this problem algebraically but I am having a hard time setting up this problem in excel. This is the problem: I would really appreciate if you guys help me. Thank you! :D
  46. S

    What are some recommended physics books for learning with code?

    I am looking for recommendations of books that teach physics, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems with code. I find I can only really fully grasp a concept if I can actually program it and visualize it in MATLAB, change variables and see what effect that has on the results...
  47. S

    Applied Math with economics and some programming

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  48. F

    Programming help (applets in crimson editor)

    Completely new to this and having some trouble with the following code... I'm trying to run this code in Crimson editor: import java.awt.*; import javax.swing.JApplet; public class Snowman extends JApplet { public void paint (Graphics g) { final int MID = 150; final...
  49. D

    How do I get started with Internet of Things programming?

    I'm looking for a good microcontroller which is compatible with Internet of Things and relatively easy to program. Preferably has development resources for IoT readily available. Someone recommend me a suitable product? I am looking to start tinkering with IoT
  50. mrmjp

    Programming Microcontrollers - C vs Machine Code

    What is the most commonly used programming language for microcontrollers? I have done programming in machine code and it is a pain. I will get better at it if I have to, but would rather use a high level language like C. I hear C is much easier to write programs with than machine code...
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