What is Computer Programming? Kickstart Your Programming Journey!

Computer programming, also known as coding, is the process of creating instructions and algorithms that tell a computer what to do. It involves writing code in a language that the computer can understand, such as C++, Java, or Python. Programming is used in all aspects of computing, from website design to embedded systems in medical devices. 

The learning process of computer programming can seem overwhelming at first; however, building on the basics leads to success. The process of becoming proficient in coding requires knowledge of what a computer program is, as well as logic and syntax. A computer programming course can be challenging and frustrating because it requires commitment, perseverance, and problem-solving skills, but with a proper understanding of the basics, dedication to learning, and guidance, computer programming can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. No matter what your background, anyone can learn the basics of computer programming and start exploring the possibilities. 

How is programming used? 

Computer programming is used in everyday life for a variety of tasks, from automating mundane tasks to creating complex applications. It can be used to make websites, apps, games, and more. By learning the basics of coding, you can become an asset to any company by utilizing your programming skills. 

Several jobs require programming skills, including software developers, web developers, application developers, game developers, computer systems analysts, and database administrators. 

• Software developers create software programs and applications that run on computers and mobile devices. 
• Web developers use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites. 
• Application developers create programs for various platforms like desktop and mobile. Game developers use programming languages to create interactive video games. 
• Computer systems analysts troubleshoot technical problems and create computer networks. 
• Database administrators design databases to store and retrieve information. 

Learning programming can also help you in your everyday life. You can use coding knowledge to automate tedious tasks like scheduling emails or setting up reminders. You can even use programming languages to create your programs for personal use. Additionally, coding can help you understand how technology works and how you can leverage it for your benefit. Ultimately, computer programming can be used for a multitude of purposes in our daily lives. Whether you want to work in the tech industry or just enhance your day-to-day life with programming knowledge, there are countless benefits to be gained from learning coding skills. 

Four Main Types of Computer Programming 

Computer programming can be divided into four main types, or paradigms: Procedural, Object-Oriented, Functional, and Logical. Each of these different types of programming languages has a particular approach to how a computer program should be written. 

Procedural Programming 

Procedural Programming is a programming paradigm that is based on procedure calls and sequences. Examples of Procedural Programming languages include BASIC, FORTRAN, and COBOL. In this programming language, instructions are executed one after another to achieve the desired result. The programmer specifies the order of instructions and tells the computer how to move from one instruction to another. Procedural Programming is commonly used in video game development, scientific calculations, and data manipulation. 

Object-Oriented Programming 

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that uses classes, objects, and their interactions to design applications and computer programs. It encourages the programmer to break down problems into classes and objects, making code more organized and easier to maintain. By creating complex systems quickly and with fewer lines of code, OOP helps to simplify programs by providing reusability, flexibility, scalability, and extensibility.  Object-oriented programming languages including Java, C++, and C# can be used to create graphical user interfaces and web applications.  

Functional Programming 

Functional Programming is a style of building the structure and elements of computer programs. It consists of pure functions which are typically written in a declarative style. Some Functional Programming languages include Haskell, Lisp, and Scheme. This type of programming language focuses on the evaluation of functions and their compositions instead of on control flow. Pure Functions take an argument list as an input and their output is a return value. Functional Programming is commonly used in web development, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and robotics. 

Logical Programming 

Logical Programming- like Prolog and OPS5- is based on mathematical logic and has two main aspects: expressing data and querying it. This type of programming relies on formal logic to determine the solutions to given problems. In this type of programming language, the programmer expresses facts about the problem and rules for solving it. This allows the computer to reason logically about the data and come up with solutions. Logical Programming can be used to create expert systems for solving complex problems.  

How do I start programming? 

If you’re just starting with computer programming, you may be asking yourself “What is computer programming and how do I get started?” Computer programming is the process of writing instructions or code to create software and websites. While it may seem intimidating, anyone can learn the basics of computer programming. 

The best way to get started is to learn the basics of HTML and CSS. You can begin to build basic websites and understand how web pages are structured. It’s important to get a solid understanding of these basics first, as they will become the foundation for more complex programming later.  

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with HTML and CSS, start exploring other coding languages like Java, Ruby, Python, or C++. Many of these programming languages are used to create applications and software. By familiarizing yourself with different programming languages, you can figure out which language works best for the type of projects you want to work on. 

University of the People 

When considering a degree in computer programming, University of the People is an excellent option. UoPeople offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in computer programming and related fields. Each degree provides its benefits, allowing students to pursue a range of career opportunities. 

For those looking for a short-term education plan, the associate degree in Computer Science from UoPeople offers a comprehensive foundation to gain entry-level positions in software engineering, system administration, web development, and other technical fields. A few examples of jobs available with an associate degree are software developer, web designer, IT technician, and system administrator. 

Those wishing to go beyond entry-level positions and gain higher-level opportunities should consider a bachelor’s degree in computer science from UoPeople. With this degree, students can pursue a wide variety of careers including game development, data analysis, network administration, and systems engineering. UoPeople also offers certificate programs in computer science,  

UoPeople’s programs provide students with an array of options if you are looking for a degree in computer science that can open the doors to a wide range of job opportunities and specialize your career in the field of computer science, look no further than University of the People.  Join UoPeople today and start your journey toward success!