Intro Computer Programming/Coding Terms - FCS

Syntax

Similar to human languages, programming languages have their own set of rules on how statements can be conveyed. The set of these rules is known as syntax. While a number of programming languages share many features, functions, and capabilities, they differ in syntax. Without the proper use of the syntax, one cannot write an executable program, and a wrong syntax will lead to a plethora of errors.

Program

A computer program is termed as an organized collection of instructions, which when executed perform a specific task or function. A program is processed by the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer before it is executed. An example of a program is Microsoft Word, which is a word processing application that enables users to create and edit documents. The browsers that we use are also programs created to help us browse the internet.

High-Level Language

A high-level language (HLL) is a programming language that lets the developer write programs irrespective of the nature or type of computer. But if a computer has to understand a high-level language, it should be compiled into a machine language. HLLs are considered high-level because they are in close proximity to human languages and further from machine languages. High-level languages include BASIC, C, C++, Pascal, Prolog and FORTRAN.

Low-Level Language

A low-level language is a language that is very close to machine language and provides a little abstraction of programming concepts. Low-level languages are closer to the hardware than human languages. The most common examples of low-level languages are assembly and machine code

Mark-up Language

A markup language is a relatively simple language that consists of easily understood keywords and tags, used to format the overall view of the page and its contents. The language specifies codes for formatting the layout and style of a page, within a text file only. Most common markup languages are Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).

Machine Language

Also known as machine code, machine language is a lowest-level programming language consisting of binary digits or bits that are read by computers. Machine language is the only language understood by computers. As it consists of only numbers, they cannot be comprehended by humans. Therefore, programmers write code in the high-level language, which is then translated into assembly language or machine language by a compiler, which is then converted to a machine language by an assembler

Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of instructions or rules designed to solve a definite problem. The problem can be simple like adding two numbers or a complex one, such as converting a video file from one format to another.

Backend Programming

Backend is another term used for background in programming. A backend task is the one that is performed in the background with the user's direct interaction. Similarly, a backend developer is a person who designs programs that process data and perform tasks that users don't directly see.

Code

Code or source code is a term used to describe a written set of instructions, written using the protocols of a particular language, such as Java, C or Python. The code can also be used informally to describe text written in a specific language. There are instances where references to the code are made for different languages, such as 'PHP Code', 'HTML Code', 'Java Code' or 'CSS Code'.

object-oriented programming

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a model defined by programmers that revolve around objects and data rather than 'actions' and 'logic'. In OOP, not only the data type of a data structure is defined, but also the types of functions that can be applied to it. Through this, the data structure becomes an object that consists of both data and functions. Languages that use OOP concepts are Java, Python, C++, and Ruby.

Front-End programming

The Front-end is the user interface of a computer or any device. For example, any operating system provides users with the ease of navigation. A program or OS is considered good if the UI or Front-end is easy to use and seamless to navigate. Front-end developers are the programmers who design and develop the user interface of a device.

cross-platform compatibility

The ability to share files or functionality across different operating systems.

block-based programming language (Drag/Drop)

any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating virtual "blocks" or graphical programming elements rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code studio at Code.org, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift

Browsers

software applications through which users primarily access the web - such as Chrome, Firefox, Explorer

Conditionals

statements that only run under certain conditions or situations