PROGRAMMING

• Algorithm:

  • A set of well-defined instructions to solve a particular problem or accomplish a task
  • Works by following a procedure made up of inputs to produce a desired output
  • Every computerized device uses algorithms in hardware- or software-based routines
• Pseudocode:

  • An informal way of programming description that does not require strict programming language syntax
  • Uses short terms or simple English language syntaxes to write code for programs before converting into a specific programming language
  • Used for creating an outline or rough draft of a program
• Flowchart:

  • A diagram that depicts a process, system, or computer algorithm
  • Widely used to document, study, plan, improve, and communicate complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams
  • Uses shapes like rectangles, ovals, diamonds, and arrows to define flow and sequence
• Source code:

  • Human-readable text written in a specific programming language
  • Sets exact rules and specifications for the computer, foundation of programs and websites
• Program:

  • A set of instructions that a computer uses to perform a specific function
  • Contains ingredients (variables) and directions (statements) to execute a task, like a recipe
• Compiler:

  • Software program that converts human-written programming code into machine code
  • Transformation of source code into machine code is called "compilation"
• Program bug:

  • Error, fault, or flaw in a computer program or hardware system
  • Produces unexpected results or causes a system to behave unexpectedly
• Debugging:

  • Process of fixing a bug in software by identifying, analyzing, and removing errors
  • Complex and tedious task that involves resolving errors at all stages of debugging
• Syntax:

  • Rules that specify the correct sequence of symbols to form a structured program in a programming language
  • Programmers communicate with computers through the syntax, semantics, and grammar of a programming language
• Object code:

  • Set of instruction codes understood by a computer at the lowest hardware level
  • Produced by a compiler that translates higher-level source instructions into machine language instructions
• Logical error:

  • Mistake in a program's source code that results in incorrect or unexpected behavior
  • Type of runtime error that may produce wrong output or cause a program to crash
• Syntax error:

  • Error in the syntax of a coding or programming language entered by a programmer
  • Caught by a compiler and must be fixed before compiling and running the program
• Beta Version:

  • Released to a specific group of users for testing using black box techniques
  • Users run the programs to identify bugs or glitches
• Alpha Version:

  • Phase of development before a product launch, in its first phase of testing
• WYSIWG:

  • Editing software that allows users to see and edit content as it would appear when displayed
• GIGO:

  • Concept that flawed input data produces nonsense output
• Executable file:

  • Contains encoded instructions that the system can execute directly
  • Commonly has an EXE file extension
• Programmer:

  • Person who creates computer programs, also known as a software developer, engineer, or coder