What is a program? Easily explained
In this article we tell you what a program is. You will often find the term "software" in the same context. You can read exactly what this is about in the following practical tip.
Program - simple explanation
"Program" in the broad sense means a process. Most of the time, it's about a sequence of commands on a computer. There are many different types of programs on different operating systems.
- In the field of computers, a program means a sequence of source code within one or more files. This source code contains instructions on how the computer should react to special problems. The source code can be in different programming languages. At the lowest level, machine language commands are implemented for the processor. In languages like C ++ or Java, programmers can give the PC simple instructions.
- In Windows, programs are files with an exe extension. If you double click on it, the program starts and executes its instructions. Programs are executable files.
- An example of a program is the browser. Programs such as Firefox or Google Chrome are source code. This builds up the user interface of the program and responds to user input.
- An instruction in natural language could be: "If you press the plus with the mouse, a new browser window opens". This command is in source code and is automatically implemented after you click.
- There is a wide variety of programs. Starting with the computer on your computer to Excel to complex 3D graphics, all applications are based on this program system.
Programs are only part of your computer. In two other practical tips, we explain what hardware and what software is.