Computer programming Definition and 47 Threads

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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. A

    Good series of books to brush up on math, physics, and computer programming?

    TL;DR Summary: Got my AA with a focus in physics nearly a decade ago. Looking to go back and finish what I started, but need to brush up and looking for good resources to do so? Looking for resources that are thorough that can help me brush up on calculus 1-3, physics 1-2, and possibly...
  2. J

    What programming languages/pathways should I focus on?

    I am a Senior in High School looking to go to college for Computer Science. Since Freshmen year I have been learning Front End Development (HTML, CSS, and Javascript), albeit somewhat slowly and staggered due to school getting in the way and whatnot. In the past year, I have learned some more...
  3. hudsonj

    Physics based programming problem sets

    Was wondering if anyone knew of any good resources with programming challenges akin to the website "Project Euler" (about page found here). To be more specific, I'm looking for something consisting of problems centred around physics topics that would require some level of problem solving and...
  4. F

    I Modulo and Modulus in math and computer programming

    Hello, I an clear on how the modulo operator ##%##, also called the remainder operator, is used in programming. It gives the remainder of the integer division. For example, ##5 % 2 = 1## because the divisor 2 fits 2 wholly times into the dividend 5 leaving behind a reminder of 1. ## 6% 3 =0##...
  5. antoniacarol

    Python How can I fix a ValueError when trying to terminate a while loop in Python?

    Please help! I am trying to create a Python program for an assignment that will convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa depending on the input from the user. The numeric conversion portion of the code is working, however, if the user inputs "exit" the while loop is supposed to terminate...
  6. CLINTON

    C/C++ Computer programming -- Help with upcoming C++ exam

    Hi, I am an undergraduate Physics student and i have an exam on c++ programming next monday, what are the basic things I have to know in order to perform well in the exam? And how is c++ applied in physics?
  7. astroman707

    Other How to transition from school teacher to programmer?

    I’ve been a school teacher for 6 years, and I want to get into coding. I’ve been told by a CS professor I know that my background is very sought after in the tech industry, and I would be very competitive if I got into coding. Is this true? What’s the best route, bootcamp, nanodegree, etc.? What...
  8. T

    Python Portfolio/project ideas for computer programming?

    Hi, I need ideas for developing a portfolio project to land a computer programming/front end developer position. So far I've developed a simple tic-tac-toe web app game. Plus I have my portfolio website at the ready to be uploaded. Any ideas for portfolio projects? Thanks!
  9. S

    Java Any beginning computer programming course (such as for JAVA.

    Not necessarily for JAVA, but in any beginning computer programming course at a college or university: What will the school, or department, or the teacher require of the students? Need the student use their own personal computer for this? Can student do the work using JAVA without having an IDE...
  10. hilbert2

    Comparison of high-level computer programming languages

    A little question about the appropriateness of a certain research subject... Would it be useful to make a study of the computational effectiveness of equivalent codes written with Matlab, Mathematica, R Code, Julia, Python, etc. in a set of typical computational engineering problems like...
  11. D

    Programs Computer Programming Advice for prospective Physics Majors

    Hello Everyone, I am a high school physics teacher seeking to give advice to students of mine that are interested in pursuing a physics major. I would imagine that if they want to do any undergraduate research then they better have some programming experience, because I can not imagine how they...
  12. NicolasPan

    Comp Sci How to break a number into separate digits in Fortran

    Mod note: Fixed indents in code below !this program accepts a 5 digit integer !and calculates the harmonic and geometric means of it's digits !the program checks and denies numbers with length diffrent than 5 digits !The harmonic mean should be calculated only when !all of the number's digits...
  13. N

    Java Understanding basics of computer programming

    I am having some issues understanding the fundamentals of Java and OOP. In simplest terms possible with an example can you explain to me what an Object, Class and Method are? I am confused on what these actually are. Thank you
  14. H

    Programs Artificial intelligence: what double degree to choose?

    My only dream in life is to develop a robot that has common sense and wisdom and pretty much be as smart as a human that can help society solve ISIS, food shortages etc. So I am choosing Computer Science next year for university. Though I have heard that doing the degree purely is too dry and...
  15. M

    What are the prequisites for studying The Art of Computer Programming?

    Hi friends, I have an avid interest on Mathematics and progranming and am working very hard to become a great computer scientist/ engineer. I have been researching books that woukd help me in this goal and by all accounts, TAOCP is one of them. I am convinced that studying this book wilk...
  16. A

    Does computer programming help developing math skills?

    Can learning of programming languages like C, Python, Fortran or mathematical packages like Matlab or Mathematica be helpful in developing mathematical thinking in high school students? Logically I tend to answer positively, but have no direct experience with that. Has anyone seen boosting...
  17. S

    Careers possible if only two beginning computer programming courses taken?

    What are the chances of finding work or a career if an average person were to take two beginning programming courses? Would this be enough for a possible career as a computer programmer?
  18. D

    Looking for a insightful roadmap to learn math

    Hi, I have drop out school at high school. All the subjects taught in school were senseless to me, so I've decided to leave it. After that, I've decided to learn things by myself. Nowadays I'm working as software programmer developing computer vision programs, without any college degree. I...
  19. Prof. 27

    What is the difference between a package and a superclass?

    Homework Statement From what I understand a package is a collection of classes. A superclass is likewise a class of classes. Is there a difference between a package and a superclass? Homework Equations None. The Attempt at a Solution A few Google searches.
  20. N

    In what way are computer science and physics related?

    I am considering a dual-major in Physics and Computer Programming. But i'd like some input on how the two can be used together first. What are your thoughts and opinions on a majoring these two? How might this be useful/practical in the real world and how might it be impractical. Thank you
  21. B

    What is Best Computer Programming Language to Learn?

    Is there a computer programming language that is the "best" and/or most transferable (in terms of making it easier to learn other languages down the line) for someone who is just getting started in this area? I literally have zero programming experience as of the moment, but would like to get...
  22. majormuss

    Schools Useful Computer Programming for Astrophysics concentration in Grad School

    My objective is to learn programs and techniques that will prove beneficial to my physics degree. I am going on to grad school to get a physics PhD but I will be staying 1 more year as an undergrad. A CS minor is probably too broad for me because I only want to learn specific programs that will...
  23. 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...
  24. 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?
  25. S

    Computer Programming for Astrophysicist

    Hi Guys, I'm going to start my undergraduate degree in Astrophysics at Columbia University this Fall. From the various conversations I have with professional Astrophysicists, it seems like i have to know computer programming on top of astrophysics, if i want to work in the field. I have ZERO...
  26. E

    Question about professional computer programming?

    What are areas of programming that are more theory oriented and deal with more abstract ideas? Is this pretty much all of programming? I'm learning a few languages (competent in some) and curious. Thank you!
  27. J

    Programs EE major that loves physics class but hates computer programming

    Is an electrical engineering major like myself going to have a hard time gettin through my bachelors if i can't stand learning a programming language? I love studying the sciences but something about cse bores the crap out of me.
  28. B

    Programs ADVICE Welcomed - EE Major / Physics Major / Computer Programming

    I am going to Penn State next year as a freshman undergraduate for Physics and EE. I need advice from others who have been through the typical freshman and Sophomore years and the typical experience. Specifically, are there are recommended books/texts that I should have next year for both...
  29. N

    Considering a Double Major in Computer Programming & Physics: Get Opinions Here!

    Need opinions :) Hi guys, if I wanted to I could have graduated high school this year but I was unsure of what field to go into. So, I decided to stay an extra year in high school (taking few English and Math courses I did not have space for before). I will be graduating next year for sure so...
  30. M

    Teaching myself computer programming Where should I start?

    Can someone give me a general sort of outline of what I should teach myself and in what order? or supply me a link that has a neat pdf?
  31. X

    Schools Self teaching computer programming vs taking a credit class at college

    I'm not really a big fan of computers but I understand there importance to physics. My school offers computer programming classes for engineering and science majors but I don't want a extra formal class that isn't required. Do you think it would be a good idea to self learn all of the programming?
  32. M

    Can Excel Handle Dynamic Ground Profile Simulations for Survey Computations?

    My professor wanted us to create a program that will automate the computations for our leveling practices, e.g. Computing height of the instrument when elevation and backsight is given etc. that may be tabulated. I believe excel would be the best bet for that. But he also included that we must...
  33. C

    Programs What can I do with a computer programming degree?

    Hello, I went into computer programming as a career field right out of high school, I've only got an associate's degree in it but I'm just curious what kind of job out there would work well with a chemistry/physics degree and how well is the job market for science-type degrees? Is the job...
  34. T

    Why do electrical engineering students have to study computer programming

    Is it just to make it more likely that their creativity will make use of what computers can do? Am I correct in thinking that programming computers is not part of an electrical engineer's job description?
  35. C

    Chemistry Chemistry & Computer Programming

    I love computer programming, but I'm currently on a BSc Chemistry degree. Is there anyway I can combine these for a job/career?
  36. G

    Codelab excercise 2- computer programming part 1

    Homework Statement 1) Given three already declared int variables, i , j , and temp , write some code that swaps the values in i and j . Use temp to hold the value of i and then assign j 's value to i . The original value of i , which was saved in temp , can now be assigned to j . 2)...
  37. G

    Codelab excercise 2- computer programming

    Homework Statement 1) Given an integer variable strawsOnCamel , write a statement that uses the auto-increment operator to increase the value of that variable by 1. 2) Given an integer variable timer , write a statement that uses the auto-decrement operator to decrease the value of that...
  38. L

    Computer programming a great career?

    Some people don't mind sitting down on a desk with a cup of coffee and solve some problems on computer, (mostly coding for whatever it be). im thinking of persuing my career as a programmer and i think it suits my personality and my strength. Im looking for anyone whos currently working...
  39. O

    Knowing computer programming languages

    Must I know any programming languages to enter a MS/PhD program in physics?
  40. K

    Learn Computer Programming for Applied Math & Physics Majors

    OK, so I know virtually nothing about computer programming, and this fall I am starting into a double major of applied math and physics. The only computer science course that is required is the University's Intro to CS course. I am thinking that, if possible, I am going to try to do the...
  41. G

    How important is computer programming to your career?

    I'm an aerospace engineer, currently job hunting, but I'm keeping myself occupied by refreshing my memory in c++ programming. I've had a course on it, but that was a few years ago, and I have mainly been using Matlab instead (for about 4 years now). I wanted to know, as...
  42. D

    How does Computer programming change?

    I love computer programming. At least the kind I've done so far. I can stay up all night trying to figure out the solution, because I enjoy it; it's not work. What scares me, is wondering if that love will carry forward to large scale projects, where I am just one of a hundred programmers...
  43. N

    Discrete Math Knowledge & Computer Programming

    How useful is the knowledge of discrete math for computer programmers?
  44. N

    My Grandpa's Computer Programming Tales: Fact or Fiction?

    Every since me and my sister and all of my cousins were little kids my granpa has told us that he was a computer programmer for American Airlines. He always told us of stories about how he looked in the newspaper in the sixties and saw an ad posted by AA saying that they were hiring computer...
  45. M

    Computer Programming: Rounding, Dates, Line Input Prompts

    There are a few things that I can't remember learning in my Computer Programming class, and I haven't been able to find the answers. Can anyone tell me how to: -round a number to a certain number of decimal places? -use dates (month day, year) as response to input as a single variable...
  46. C

    Want to do computer programming and physics

    you're a she and you're birthday is may 1992? man your younger than my younger sister and she's only 13... well, i was on the net since i was 11 as well so... but the part that intrigues me is, you want to do computer programming and physics, and you're a 13 year old girl? may i ask why...
  47. H

    Anyone know of a computer programming forum?

    Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good computer science / programming forum! Hurkyl
Back
Top