Coding, chopping, cracking, programming: these are the differences

Hacking, coding, cracking - there seem to be many terms for programming. But not everyone thinks the same thing. We'll clarify the differences between the four terms so that you can use them all correctly in the future.

Coding and programming: There are no differences here

The simplest are the two terms coding and programming. They mean the same thing, so they can be used synonymously. Programming or coding refers to the process of creating computer programs such as apps, operating systems or software.

• Programming is the most essential part of software development. A source code is entered in a development environment (IDE) or an editor. Typically, programmers write the entire code themselves and do not only modify third-party code. But that is not a requirement.
• How the code should look and which commands it must contain depends on the programming language used. The most common programming languages ​​are Java, C ++, C #, Python and PHP. An overview of all programming languages ​​can be found in a separate article.
• So that the pure source code can be read and processed by the machine (PC, cell phone, etc.), it must be compiled. There are different compilers for this, depending on the programming language. The program can then be run on the respective device. An exception to this are HTML and PHP, which are used for website programming. Here the source code is in plain text and is only compiled when the script is called.
• Even though coding sounds complicated at first, it is not that difficult after a short familiarization. With our beginner's tips on programming, you are well equipped to code your first program in C, for example.

Cracking: Illegal program manipulation

While coding is completely legal in itself, cracking looks different. Instead of writing your own code, a cracker manipulates third-party program code in order to overcome usage restrictions such as copy protection.

• The term "crack" is not derived from the drug, but from the English word "to crack", which means "crack". The security measures in programs are cracked.
• For this purpose, part of the compiled program code must first be disclosed by so-called disassembling or using hex editors and then changed accordingly. This usually violates the programmer's terms of use, which is why the crack itself is illegal. It is a copyright infringement.
• In any case, it becomes illegal if cracks from purchase software such as Windows, Photoshop or PC games are offered for download free of charge. As a rule, both uploaders and downloaders are punishable for copyright infringement.
• Note: The so-called patch is to be distinguished from the crack. This is a (mostly free) update from the official manufacturer to fix bugs in the original program. Patches are not only useful, but also completely legal.

Chopping: The generic term

The term hacking is somewhat more difficult to grasp, and has meanwhile become firmly integrated into everyday language use. Over time, hacking has become a generic term for cases in which security mechanisms of programs, websites and networks are bypassed and vulnerabilities are exploited.

• The English term "to hack" in this context means "to penetrate" or "to dig in". Most hackers intrude on networks or accounts (e.g. from Facebook, Amazon or eBay users) to steal data or damage the system. These criminal hackers are known as black hats.
• However, hackers are not always illegal. So-called white hats only use their hacking skills within the law and hacker ethics, for example by searching for security holes for large companies such as Google and Microsoft with their consent.
• Since hackers often operate remotely, you must first gain access to the system to be hacked. This usually works through backdoors, Trojans, keyloggers or other malware.
• Apart from this original meaning, the term hoe is now used for other scenarios. This includes, for example, jailbreaks that expand the range of functions of cell phones, game consoles and the like. Hacks can also unlock additional features in games. Famous hacks include wall hacks in Call of Duty, which allow players to walk through walls, or the world hack at Need for Speed. These hacks are also mostly illegal.
• If you want to try (legal) hacking yourself, we have summarized some tips for getting started with hacking on the next page.

Brief overview: these are the differences

So there are significant differences between hacking, coding, cracking and programming. For an overview, we have summarized the definitions for you again:

• Programming: The basically legal creation of a program, usually using a source code.
• Coding: synonymous with programming.
• Cracking: The manipulation of third-party program codes in order to lift usage restrictions such as copy protection (mostly illegal).
• Hacking: The targeted exploitation of security gaps and the circumvention of security mechanisms (mostly for illegal data theft). Hacking in the broader sense means any access to functions or areas of programs, systems and networks that are generally not accessible to the hacker.

Note on our own behalf: CHIP is 40 years old!

The first CHIP issue appeared in 1978. We are celebrating our 40th birthday this year.

• CHIP turns 40 and does not celebrate alone: ​​As digitization and programming are becoming increasingly important, but are often neglected in school curricula, CHIP supports the "Hacker School" - an organization that is aimed at and encourages children and young people to deal with technology and digitization.
• We also take a look back and see what has happened in 40 years: when was the first CHIP issue published? How was home office reported back then? What was reported about Apple back then and where did Chippie actually go?
• Click here for all the anniversary contributions to 40 years of CHIP.