A computer program is a set of instructions that tells a computer what tasks to perform. Programming languages allow humans to write code in a language the computer can understand. There are high-level languages like C++ and Java that are closer to human language, and low-level assembly languages that are closer to machine language. All programs must eventually be translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter so the computer can execute the instructions. The basics of computer programming involve understanding what a program is, learning a programming language, and using tools like compilers and interpreters to translate code into a format the computer can understand and run.

1. Computer Programming:The Basics Broken Down Casey Dion ENG 1105 Ms. Elizabeth Owens June 6, 2011

2. Introduction What is a computer program? Before one can learn to write a computer program they must first learn what a computer program is.

3. According to David Bolton, “A computer program is a set of instructions for a computer to perform a specific task” (Bolton, About.com). The purpose of computer programming is to create a program that performs a certain behavior that it was told to do. A program is basically a set of instructions that you write with a list of directions or statements that tells the computer what to do with different objects or variables. In programming, “the variables can represent numeric data, text, or graphical images” (internet.com).

4. There are many programming languages that can be used to write and perform a basic computer programming.

5. Some languages include C, C++, Pascal, JAVA, Basic, and Small Basic (A beginner’s version of Basic). These languages are considered high-level languages. One can also write programs in more difficult language, assembly languages which are considered the low-level languages. This is because, “low-level languages are closer to the language used by a computer, while high-level languages are closer to human languages” (internet.com). Every program is eventually translated into a machine language so a computer can understand it. They are translated by a compiler or interpreter program so the computer can run it.

6. Every program is eventually translated into a machine language so a computer can understand it. They are translated by a compiler or interpreter program so the computer can run it. Some languages include C, C++, Pascal, JAVA, Basic, and Small Basic (A beginner’s version of Basic). These languages are considered high-level languages.

7. Programs are translated by a compiler or interpreter program so the computer can run it. Here are the steps For a compiler: “Edit the Program Compile the program into Machine code files. Link the Machine code files into a runnable program (also known as an exe). Debug or Run the Program” (Bolton, About Compilers and Interpreters ) The steps to run a program via interpreter are : Edit the Program Debug or Run the Program “ (Bolton, About Compilers and Interpreters ) This is a faster process and it helps beginners edit and test their code faster than using a compiler. It has the disadvantage of running much slower than a compiled program, five to ten times slower because every line of code has to be re-read and then re-processed.

8. Computer programming can be very simple once the basics are understood. Different languages can present many different pros and cons. Some are easier for beginners and certain languages should be left for the more advanced users. If you know how to write a set of instructions then after learning a programming language of choice you should be able to write your own program in no time at all.

9. Bibliography Bolton, David. About Compilers and Interpreters . 2011. 14 May 2011 <http://cplus.about.com/od/introductiontoprogramming/a/compinterp.htm>. —. About.com. 2011. 15 May 2011 <http://cplus.about.com/od/introductiontoprogramming/g/program.htm>. internet.com. Webopedia. 2011. 16 May 2011 <http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/program.html>. Microsoft. Small Basics. 2011. 19 May 2011 <http://msdn.microsoft.com/en- us/beginner/ff384126.aspx>. Wikipedia. Computer Programming-Wikipedia. May 2011. 15 May 2011 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programming>.