- Computer - Home
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- Calculator Vs. Computer
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What is a Computer Program?
What is a Computer Program?
A computer program is a series or set of instructions in a programming language for a computer to carry out. It is one part of software, which also includes documentation and other non-physical components.
How Do Computer Programs Work?
A computer program in its readable form by humans is known as source code. Source code requires another computer program to run because computers can only execute their native machine instructions. Therefore, source code may be converted into machine instructions using a compiler designed for the language. (Assembly language programs are converted using an assembler.) The resulting file is called an executable. Alternatively, source code can run within an interpreter designed for the language.
If the executable is requested to run, the operating system loads it into memory and begins a process. The central processing unit will soon switch to this process to fetch, decode, and then execute each machine instruction.
If the source code is requested to run, the operating system loads the respective interpreter into memory and starts a process. The interpreter then loads the source code into memory to convert and execute each statement. Running the source code is slower than running an executable. Additionally, the interpreter must be installed on the computer.
Types of Computer Programs
The following are the types of computer programs −
Internet Browser
An internet browser is a program used to access various web pages, such as search engines or a company website. To find the information you're looking for, you can type a keyword or the website name into the search bar, typically located at the top of the screen. Browsers then display relevant search results based on this information.
Depending on your job, you may use Internet browsers to carry out different work tasks. For instance, if you're a copywriter, you could type specific keywords into the search bar to research the topic you're writing about. To narrow down the search results, you can use more specialized terms to direct the browser to exclude irrelevant information.
Word Processor
You can also use word processors to complete your work duties. A word processor is a program for entering, editing, formatting, or deleting text in files. Word processors often offer options to format other elements, such as headers, ordered lists, or text alignment, to make the content more readable to its audience. If you choose to share a document with others, you can also set restrictions on whether they can modify its contents.
For example, if you work as an investment analyst, you may write detailed reports to advise colleagues on whether to invest in a particular asset or company. In this case, you could use a word processor to write and save the report as you work on it over time, easily editing it to reflect any changes in market conditions.
Teleconferencing Software
Teleconferencing software is a tool you can use to communicate with colleagues across different devices. These programs contain coded instructions to maintain essential features, like good video or audio quality. Often, you can include multiple participants in a single video call, though the maximum number may vary depending on the software's capabilities.
For example, if you're applying for a full-time remote position, the company might require you to attend a virtual interview. In this case, you could use teleconferencing software to speak directly with the interviewer, rather than using a mobile phone. This makes it easier to present yourself as the best candidate for the role, demonstrating your professionalism through the video call.
Digital Spreadsheets
Digital spreadsheets are computerized versions of traditional worksheets that store large amounts of numerical data. These programs help businesses track financial information, such as balance sheets, income statements, or cash flows. You can also organize data into distinct columns, rows, and sections to make it simpler for others to interpret.
For example, if you work as a chief financial officer, you could use this tool to monitor your company's income and expenses, using the data to determine your tax obligations. After calculating post-tax profits, you might allocate the remaining funds to cover future expenses, such as employee salaries or capital investment. By organizing this data digitally, you can save time when completing these tasks.
Project Management Tools
Project management tools are applications that help schedule your work tasks and those of your colleagues. By using these tools, you can more efficiently collaborate with your team on projects, even if you are not in the same location. These programs often allow you to plan tasks carefully, assigning deadlines to individuals based on their skills and availability.
For example, if you're a freelance marketing copywriter, you could work on a large project for an international brand, collaborating remotely with other professionals. In this case, you could use a project management tool to accept or reject tasks based on your availability, considering your other freelance commitments.
The Importance of Computer Programs
It's difficult to think of a way computer programming wouldn't assist the world. Almost the entire world is either connected or actively seeking ways to improve connections. Computer programming provides various benefits for the world, such as:
Research and Development
Research depends on data, and machines can assist researchers in gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, and visualizing data in ways humans haven't been able to do before. Programming abilities allow people to build the systems that link machines and humans.
Government Operations
Coders are accountable for significant parts of the government's digital transition. New online platforms enable citizens, organizations, and businesses to access government services more effectively.
Web Development and Design
Designers use computer programming abilities to create online experiences in areas like eCommerce or entertainment. These websites offer access to the information and services contained within the digital world and depend on user research to develop experiences.
Marketing and Business Operations
Computer programmers can also assist businesses in managing operations by creating apps and tools for internal use or customer-facing solutions.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
These rapidly growing fields require software engineers to develop environments suitable for processing and visualizing the data required to train models for data science and machine learning projects.
Cybersecurity
Developers also create the solutions we need to protect our online interactions from threat actors. Mastery of various programming languages can help students begin their careers in this sought-after information technology sector.