BeginnerTopic 1 of 104Software & Computing
What is a program
A sequence of instructions a computer executes to perform a task.
In depth
A program is a precise list of instructions written in a programming language that a computer can execute. Source code is translated by a compiler or interpreter into machine code. Programs take input, process data and produce output, and run inside an operating system.
Key points
- Source code vs executable
- Compiled vs interpreted languages
- Input, process, output
ExampleA Python script that reads a temperature and prints a warning is a small program.
What is What is a program?
A sequence of instructions a computer executes to perform a task.
Why is it important to understand what is a program?
Every piece of software is a program, so understanding what a program is explains how all later topics fit together.
What is the difference between a program and software?
A program is a set of instructions. Software is a broader term that includes programs, their data, documentation and the systems they run on.
Do I need to know a specific language first?
No. The ideas of instructions, data and control flow transfer across languages, so start with one language and apply the concepts in it.
How is What is a program used in practice?
Typical applications include writing a script that renames thousands of photo files, automating a daily report from a spreadsheet and building a small tool that checks sensor data for limits.
What should I learn before What is a program?
It is the first topic in Software & Computing, so no earlier topic in this course is required.
What are the key points of What is a program?
Source code vs executable. Compiled vs interpreted languages. Input, process, output.
Can you give an example of What is a program?
A Python script that reads a temperature and prints a warning is a small program.
What comes after What is a program?
The next topic is "Algorithms", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is What is a program?
It is classed as Beginner in Software & Computing (topic 1 of 104). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.