PROGRAMMING

What is programming?

Programming refers to a technological process for telling a computer which tasks to perform in order to solve problems. You can think of programming as a collaboration between humans and computers, in which humans create instructions for a computer to follow (code) in a language computers can understand.?

Programming enables so many things in our lives. Here are some examples:?

• When you browse a website to find information, contact a service provider, or make a purchase, programming allows you to interact with the site’s on-page elements, such as sign-up or purchase buttons, contact forms, and drop-down menus.

• The programming behind a mobile app can make it possible for you to order food, track your fitness, access media, and more with ease.?

• Programming helps businesses operate more efficiently through different software for file storage and automation and video conferencing tools to connect people globally, amongst other things.?

• Space exploration is made possible through programming. ?

How does computer programming work?

At its most basic, programming tells a computer what to do. First, a programmer writes code—a set of letters, numbers, and other characters. Next, a compiler converts each line of code into a language a computer can understand. Then, the computer scans the code and executes it, thereby performing a task or series of tasks. Tasks might include displaying an image on a webpage or changing the font of a section of text.?

Most used programming languages

Different programming languages enable programmers to write code that computers understand. According to a survey by Statista, the top five programming languages that developers use as of 2023 are [2]:?

• JavaScript: used by 63.61 per cent?
• HTML/CSS: used by 52.97 per cent
• Python: used by 49.28 per cent
• SQL: used by 48.66 per cent??
• TypeScript: used by 38.87 per cent