Introduction to Programming

To begin this module, see the video below.

What is computer programming?

Broadly, computer programming is telling a computer exactly what to do. Typically, the programmer needs to understand the problem to be solved or the task at hand. Afterward, the solution is written using special words, signs, and symbols — collectively called code.

The end result is like giving the computer a recipe so it knows how to make something happen.

These special sets of words, signs, and symbols make up what we call computer programming languages — a concept we will explore in detail.

A simple analogy: think of code as an essay, and the programming language as the language (e.g., English) used to write it. Just as you need English to write an English essay, you need a programming language to write code.