Programming is the action and effect of programming . This verb has several uses: it refers to devising and ordering the actions to be carried out within the framework of a project; to the announcement of the parts that make up an act or show; to the preparation of machines to fulfill a certain task at a certain time; to the development of programs for solving problems using computers; and to the preparation of the data necessary to obtain a solution to a problem through an electronic calculator, for example.
Currently, the notion of programming is closely associated with the creation of computer applications and video games; It is the process by which a person develops a program using a tool that allows them to write the code (which can be in one or several languages, such as C++, Java and Python ) and another that is capable of "translating" it. what is known as machine language , which can be understood by a microprocessor.
This last step is known as compilation and is necessary so that the code can be executed by the platform for which it was created, which can be a computer , a tablet, a console or a mobile phone, for example. There is also a way to translate code called interpretation , which involves analyzing it line by line, until it is translated enough to perform a task. It is worth mentioning that programming languages are divided into two large groups, where those that can be compiled cannot be interpreted, and vice versa.
The step by step of programming
The entire development process covers several stages and requires the work of different specialists. In principle, starting from a well-organized project , it is necessary to come up with an attractive, interesting idea that justifies the months or years of effort that will come. This first part alone can take a long time, since what begins as a perfect product can become, after questioning it and observing it from different angles, a certain failure .
Once the idea is found, its design must be established; In other words, it is about formalizing everything that has been discussed during the initial search. Although each team works in its own way, since the creation cannot be structured in a rigid way, it is likely that the next logical step is to start experimenting through programming, to provide designers with direct and interactive contact with your idea.
Programmers have in their hands the power to give life to a system, an application, a video game. It is important to note that all of these products can be defined in absolute detail in a document, including images and graphs that explain how every millimeter of them works; However, until a software developer takes action, it is not possible to see them in motion, to test them, to move from theory to practice.
Use of algorithms
On a more technical level, programming is done through the use of algorithms , which are finite, ordered, and unambiguous sequences of instructions that must be followed to solve a problem . Some of them can be grouped together and given a name so they can be easily invoked as many times as necessary.
In the same way that human beings need to breathe constantly, a computer application needs to know the position of the mouse pointer at all times, as well as its activity (if it has been clicked and with which button, if it has been released or if it is held down). , etc).
Radio and TV programming
Finally, it should be noted that all television or radio programs are known as programming. For example: «I want to see a movie; Let's see what's on the schedule .
Programming involves the decision to present different programs on specific days and times. The goal is to attract as many viewers or listeners as possible.