Introduction to Computer Programming

If you understood what a computer program is, then we will say: the act of writing computer programs is called computer programming.

As we mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of programming languages, which can be used to write computer programs and following are a few of them −

• Java
• C
• C++
• Python
• PHP
• Perl
• Ruby

Uses of Computer Programs

Today computer programs are being used in almost every field, household, agriculture, medical, entertainment, defense, communication, etc. Listed below are a few applications of computer programs −

·        MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc., are examples of computer programs.

·        Computer programs are being used to develop graphics and special effects in movie making.

·        Computer programs are being used to perform Ultrasounds, X-Rays, and other medical examinations.

·        Computer programs are being used in our mobile phones for SMS, Chat, and voice communication.

Computer Programmer

Someone who can write computer programs or in other words, someone who can do computer programming is called a Computer Programmer.

Based on computer programming language expertise, we can name a computer programmers as follows −

• C Programmer
• C++ Programmer
• Java Programmer
• Python Programmer
• PHP Programmer
• Perl Programmer
• Ruby Programmer

Algorithm

From programming point of view, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to resolve any problem. An algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite set of well-defined instructions.

Thus, a computer programmer lists down all the steps required to resolve a problem before writing the actual code. Following is a simple example of an algorithm to find out the largest number from a given list of numbers −

1. Get a list of numbers L₁, L₂, L₃....L_N

2. Assume L₁ is the largest, Largest = L₁

3. Take next number L_i from the list and do the following

4. If Largest is less than L_i

5. Largest = L_i

6. If L_i is last number from the list then

7. Print value stored in Largest and come out

8. Else repeat same process starting from step 3

The above algorithm has been written in a crude way to help beginners understand the concept. You will come across more standardized ways of writing computer algorithms as you move on to advanced levels of computer programming.