SwitchUp SwitchUp Ranked Best Coding Bootcamps 2025

What is Programming?

Web Development Jargons Explained in 5 Different Ways

TLDR: Programming is creating instructions for the computer to perform specific tasks. A person who writes programs is called a programmer. There are many different programming languages a programmer can write programs in.


Explain like I only speak in plain English

Programming is creating instructions for the computer to perform specific tasks. A person who writes programs is called a programmer. There are many different programming languages a programmer can write programs in.

Programs can be as simple as saying "Hello World!" or as complex as predicting the trajectory of a space rocket.

Programmers usually write programs using a text editor. Some programmers like to use integrated development environments (IDEs) to help them work more effectively.

Explain like I'm a total nerd

A program is generally referred to as instructions to perform specific tasks. Early computers were programmed using switches, plugs, punch cards, or paper tapes. It wasn't until the 1970s where programmers could type programs directly into the computers using digital terminals.

eniac.jpg
ENIAC, a computer for calculating ballistic trajectory
punchcard.jpg
a punchcard representing a program from a Fortran machine

Nowadays, programmable computers are everywhere and accessible to almost anyone who are interested. There are many hobbyists, scholars, engineers, and entrepreneurs alike that are trying to add positive value to this world by programming.

Explain like I'm an artist

Programming is the process of creating instructions for the computer to perform tasks. Each individual program can be thought of as writing a symphony. A concert would be putting together multiple pieces to form a performance that is more than each symphony combined.

map.jpg

Explain like I like videos

Explain like I already know it

If you are already a programmer, I don't have to convince you how awesome knowing how to program is. Stop procrastinating and get back to creating something that will change the world.

You might also want to read about

We are trusted by

Students and instructors from world-class organizations

Imperial College London
Carnegie Mellon University
City University of Hong Kong
Hack Reactor
Cisco Meraki
University of Oxford
Swift
Bazaarvoice
Waterloo
Uber
AtlanTech
Tumblr
Boston College
Bombardier Aerospace
University of St. Andrews
New York University
Minerva Schools at KGI
Merrill Lynch
Riot Games
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Advanced Placement®
Google
KPMG
The University of Hong Kong
University of Toronto
SCMP
Moat
Zynga
Hello Toby
Deloitte
Goldman Sachs
Yahoo
HSBC
General Assembly
Tesla
McGill University
Microsoft

Join the upcoming Cohort #97

Enroll for January 6th, 2025