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. Eli Puerto

    Necessary programming languages to learn/master in BS Math?

    Hi! Will be taking BS Math in 2019, and as early as now I would like to practice my necessary skills so that I would not end up left behind. I'm still currently in 12th grade under a specialized STEM program.
  2. J

    Python programming on Pythonanywhere

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  3. A

    I Open source software for integer programming

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  4. T

    Python Portfolio/project ideas for computer programming?

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  5. U

    How to calculate triac angle to set desired RMS voltage

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  6. binbagsss

    Other Operations research, stochastic dynamic programming, sources

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  7. QuantumQuest

    Insights Intro to Algorithms for Programming - Comments

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  8. L

    Maximizing Localization in Adding Multiple Plane Waves

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  9. JorgeM

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  10. C

    I Linear Programming: how to identify conflicting equations

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  11. J

    Decrypting Binary Code to English Text

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  12. Telemachus

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  13. pairofstrings

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  14. M

    What should I know before taking Parallel Programming?

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  15. mertcan

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  16. O

    What is the Best 2D Physics Engine for a Real-Time Simulation Program?

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  17. J

    Magnetostatics experiment flowchart - How can I improve this

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  18. harborsparrow

    Good C programming introduction on Coursera, starts Feb 5

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  19. mertcan

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  20. U

    Fortran How to buy Fortran Programming Software Commersial License

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  21. KonaGorrila

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  22. JTC

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  23. D

    Best Tool for Basic PIC Programming

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  24. B

    Where should I try for learning programming?

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  25. Hi Im Paul

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  26. D

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  27. F

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  28. fluidistic

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  29. D

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  30. Erenjaeger

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  31. A

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  32. S

    I Linear Program:Multiple Optima for multivariable Obj. Func.?

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  33. berkeman

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  34. C

    Comp Sci How to debug an infinite loop in a C++ program using fork gymnastics?

    This is what I did but I'm getting an infinite loop of the reversed string whenever I run the program. I don't know why #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h> #include <string.h> #include <unistd.h> /* for fork() and getpid() */ #include <sys/types.h> #include <iostream> using namespace std...
  35. Aaron M

    Thinking about getting an MSc in CS

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  36. C

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  37. KonaGorrila

    What is the best language for programming microcontrollers?

    I am wondering what programming language, whether it is C, C++, or other, would be best for programming micro controllers. What are the benefits of either one. I understand C is easier to learn but does that actually make it better? I need to use these micro controllers for sensor applications...
  38. P

    I How common is automation in Astronomy?

    I am currently an undergraduate researching Supernovae. We are doing some luminosity calculations using CIAO and HEASOFT which take anywhere between 7 to 13 hours for each remnant. To make the process quicker, I wrote a script that reduces that time to about 40 minutes for each remnant. One of...
  39. ramzerimar

    Engineering Is a Career in Software an Option for Mechanical Engineers?

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  40. Telemachus

    A workstation for physicists, and programming in GPUs

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  41. A

    Programmes to learn for Nuclear Engineering Masters

    I am about to begin an MSc in Nuclear Engineering. I am competent in MatLab language but wish to practice/learn another in the time before my course starts. Would I be well served in continuing to practice MatLab or to learn another from scratch (C/Java/Labview)? Are there any particular areas...
  42. M

    I Computer friendly list of bodies in the asteroid belt?

    Is there a computer friendly list with the known bodies in the Solar System astroid belt, that contains their physical properties, position and velocities?
  43. M

    I Solar system simulation errors

    Hi, as a side project I am making a solar system simulator in Python, but I am getting extreme inaccuracies. As the image shows - I am comparing the simulation to data obtained from NASA's Horizon. I have written a a basic Verlet integrator in the Python class posten below: import numpy as...
  44. A

    Help with Python modelling of a particle in a 2D box

    Hello guys, I programmed a physics simulation where a particle with some initial conditions bounces off the walls of a 2d container. The simulation also includes gravity in the y-coordinates. The aim of the project is to produce a visual animation and further on include more particles and...
  45. J

    PHP What programming language is used to store Bank Acct's/money?

    is it PHP-MySQL? In websites accounts of users tend to be stored in servers, and on these servers they store the data in some syntax and use PHP, RUBY or something else to add/change the information. Is it the same in bank accounts? In what format is banking information stored?
  46. GoldenBear

    Programming advice for a physics major?

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  47. D

    Programs Programming courses useful for physics majors?

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  48. D

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  49. S

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

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  50. P

    New user here, Need direction and help before my end....

    It has been over 15 years since I completed a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering. However that alone does not really date me much. So far I have yet to find a source of employment that lasts long enough or is of enough compensation to pay off student loans before I can even begin to...
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