Basics of Programming

Whether you’re starting your journey as a programmer or refreshing your basics, understanding the core principles of programming is essential. Let’s dive into the Basics of programming, what is a program, what is Language, what are the types of Programming Languages and What is programming Language that every beginner should know.

Basics of Programming

What is a Program?

A set of instructions to perform a task is known as a Program.

Real-Time Example:

Let’s assume you are preparing a Tea. To prepare Tea we need to follow some steps right?

Steps: 

1. Boil the water.
2. add the Tea Powder to the boiled water.
3. finally, add milk and some sugar.
4. Tea Prepared Successfully.

These four steps are known as instructions.

These combined instructions are programmed into the Computer.

What is a Language?

Language is a medium/way between two objects to perform a task.

Real-time Example:

Imagine you don’t know how to speak Chinese. Now, if a person from China asks you for an address in your native place, would you understand them?

Similarly, computers do not understand human languages. They only understand binary language, which consists of 0s and 1s.

To communicate with computers, we use various programming languages as a medium.

Types of Programming Languages

Low-Level Languages

These languages are closer to hardware and give more control over the system but they are harder to learn and use.

Introduction to Java

It is a machine-friendly language.

Here instructions will be in the form of Binary and Symbolic.

• Machine Language: Uses binary code (0s and 1s) that the computer understands directly.
• Assembly Language: Uses short symbolic codes (e.g., MOV, ADD) that are slightly easier than binary but still require detailed hardware knowledge.

High-Level Languages

These languages are closer to human language, making them easier to learn and use.

They are platform-independent and widely used.

Examples:

1. C and C++: Great for system and application programming.
2. Java: Ideal for web, mobile, and enterprise applications.
3. Python: Known for simplicity and versatility, it is used in data science, AI, and web development.
4. JavaScript: A key language for creating interactive web pages.
5. Ruby, PHP: Used for web development and server-side applications.

What is a Programming Language?

• A Programming language is a way to communicate with a computer.
• It is used to write instructions that the computer understands and follows to perform tasks.
• These instructions are processed by the computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit).
• Programming Languages are used to create software, apps, websites, games, and much more.
• Each programming language has its own Syntax (Rules) and Keywords (Special Symbols), making it unique.
• Over the years, thousands of programming languages have been created, each designed for specific purposes.

Real-Time Example:

Think of a programming language as a translator. Imagine you’re giving instructions to a computer, but it doesn’t understand Telugu or English. If you say something in these languages, will the computer understand it?

Answer: No! Computers only understand binary language (0s and 1s). So, to bridge this gap, we use special languages called Programming Languages to translate our instructions into something the computer can understand and execute.

For instance, when you create a simple program in a language like Python, Java, or C++, the code you write is eventually converted into machine language (binary) that the computer can process. This way, programming languages allow us to communicate our ideas and logic effectively to computers.

Which Programming Language you should learn as a beginner?

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a basic programming language like C. Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more in-demand languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript.

Starting with C is a great choice because it provides a strong foundation in programming fundamentals, helping you understand how things work at a deeper level. Alternatively, you can begin with languages like Java or Python, which are beginner-friendly and widely used in the industry.

However, if you choose to start with Java, Python, or any other advanced language, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the basics. Initially, these languages might seem challenging, but with consistent practice, they will become easier to learn.

Remember, no matter which programming language you choose, the key is to start with the fundamentals and build your knowledge step by step.

Must Read

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JVM vs JRE vs JDK – What is the Difference Between JVM, JRE, and JDK?
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FAQ’s