How is a programmed

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Build your knowledge with top universities and organisations. Learn more about how FutureLearn is transforming access to education. Learn more about this course. What is programming? There are many different definitions of computer programming, but Martin O'Hanlon's is simple.

Watch his video to find out the three basic structures. View transcript. There are lots of definitions of computer programming, but the one I use is programming is how you get computers to solve problems. You are important. Without you, the programmer, the computer is useless. A computer will only do what you tell it to do. Secondly, they solve problems. Computers are tools.

They exist to make tasks easy for you. Computer programs, or software, are what make computers work. Without software, modern computers are just complicated machines which turn electricity into heat. And programming is a creative task. You have to make choices. And while one may seem better than the other, neither is wrong. With the right skills and experience, you can program software to solve an unlimited number of problems. The only options are constrained by your imagination, and this is why I love programming.

When you create a program for a computer, you give it a set of instructions which it follows to the letter. Turn and face the cliff. Walk towards the cliff. Stop at the edge of the cliff. Jump off the cliff. And it will perform these instructions in order, one at the time, precisely as given.

It will do exactly what you tell it to do. So if you told a computer to jump off a cliff, it would. To stop computers constantly falling off cliffs, you can give it a choice and tell it what to do next.

To get our computer to walk towards the cliff, we need to tell it to move its feet. The computer will keep taking steps forward like this, looping our instructions until you tell it to stop.

You can summarise the logic of computer programming with these three concepts. Sequence— running instructions in order. Selection— making choices. Repetition— doing the same thing more than once. Add to these concepts the ability to deal with inputs and outputs, to store data, and then you have the tools to solve the majority of all computing programs. Share this post. Yes, it was a great course. Visit the course. I know more now than 05 Nov, Excellent design structure by in Excellent design structure by instructor.

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At its most basic, computer programming is little more than a set of instructions to facilitate specific actions. Based on the requirements or purposes of these instructions, computer programming can be as simple as adding two numbers. It can also be as complex as reading data from temperature sensors to adjust a thermostat, sorting data to complete intricate scheduling or critical reports or taking players through multi-layered worlds and challenges in games.

Cheryl Frederick , executive director of STEM programs at Southern New Hampshire University SNHU , said computer programming is a collaborative process, with a variety of programmers contributing during the development of a piece of software. Some of that development can last decades. For software like Microsoft Word released in , for instance, programmers have been tweaking and improving it for years. Computer programmers create instructions for a computer to execute by writing and testing code that enables applications and software programs to operate successfully.

Computer programmers use specialized languages to communicate with computers, applications and other systems to get computers and computer networks to perform a set of specific tasks.

There are many programming languages but some have emerged as the most popular. CareerKarma listed the most common programming languages in based on job openings. Many computer programmers begin as self-taught enthusiasts, and a persistent interest in programming can be an asset in your career because continued learning is vital to a computer programmer. In addition to having experience, a successful programmer always keeps up with the latest computer languages, algorithm processes and software industry trends.

Frederick agreed. She held jobs with the Department of Defense and in the financial and telecommunications sectors before turning to education. Beyond classroom and experiential learning , however, computer programmers must understand that when writing a program, it never works the first time. While working to complete a computer science degree , students are encouraged to create a portfolio of their software work.

Most computer programming positions require at least a bachelor's degree, according to the U. In addition to those academic avenues, there are dozens of professional and nonprofit professional certifications available. BLS notes that certifications exist for specific programming languages and that some employers may require programmers to become certified in the products the company uses. George noted that students learn computer programming and build software in online labs that provide independent work opportunities along with team collaboration.

If you're ready to take the first step toward becoming a computer programmer, find your degree here.