What is a Programming Language?
As the term suggests, simply, programming language is just a language used for communication. We use English as our means of communication. This is actually a medium we use so that we can set a common understanding to other people. For us to be able to express ourselves in a proper manner, we use language. And at the same, we are being understood by those who also knew about language.
Now a programming language is what you will use to communicate to a computer, especially compilers (I might be able to tackle more about compilers later on). Since it is the only language a computer understands, for us to communicate to computers, we must learn this language. By doing so, we may be able to command the computer whatever we needed them to perform.
As of today, there are already a wide variety of programming languages. One of my favorite language is Visual Basic. There are also other languages such as C or C++, Java, and many more. These languages differ in syntax (or dialects plus accent). Of course, if you’re a Chinese, you won’t be able to communicate with a Japanese if you haven’t learned their language. It’s because the structure of their languages differ. It’s just the same with programming languages. How you write a Visual Basic code is different when writing a C++ code. But one thing’s for sure. No matter what language you use, can always come up to an application which may be able to perform lots of features and functions.
These applications (in the form of executables *.exe) are what we call as Programs. Remember these: Programmers, who are skilled in the field of computers, use a Programming Language. Now through the abilities of Programming Languages with the help of required corresponding compilers, they produce a final output which is a Program. The process of creating a program is what we call as Programming, or writing of source codes. If you have questions about these terms, just leave ‘em all here.
Not all application or executable are in EXE.
EXE files are just a way that the Windows OS understands it. Other OS doesn’t use it, due to its poor logic (well, for me, imagine this > changing .txt to .exe make’s me a programmer in windows?)
Not all programming language use compilation, another one is interpretation as a mode of execution (wikipedia).
btw, nice post
Comment by ragingmon — May 18, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Yep, but majority of the applications are in *.exe.. But anyway, to make it not confusing, *.exe is just what we call as “File Extension”. Though changing an application’s file extension into .txt can still be executed, only if YOU KNOW HOW TO DO IT. But double clicking on an application, with a file extension “.txt”, opens it to the default application which is notepad (for Windows). I’m a Windows Application programmer, so I’m not very familiar with the environment of other OS.. Anyway, it won’t make any sense if I have to learn every OS in this planet, since there are definitely a lot available..
Anyway, for a wider understanding about file extensions, I will post a special topic about it..
Comment by plgeek — May 18, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
Anyway, it won’t make any sense if I have to learn every OS in this planet, since there are definitely a lot available..
I’m really amazed that you said this kind of thing.
Just open up your mind, talk to a lot geeks, that’s all.
I think I don’t need to discuss this here. Let’s just have some coffee and discuss more until our mouth burns out. cheers!
Comment by ragingmon — May 19, 2008 @ 1:21 am
What I meant is, if I have to learn another OS, then it won’t be that fulfilling, if I just have to learn one.. Hehehe… I’m not talking about learning HOW to use them.. But learning how to program the application that are being used in these operating systems.. Ahehehe… I would just have to change the “Geek” word though.. lolz….
Anyway, of course, if you speak about programming languages, it just doesn’t mean that we’re programming Windows.. It’s just that, Windows is the most common type of Desktop computer.. So, those who would want to learn programming, do not have to complicate themselves on learning first on an environment that they are not used to…
Look.. If ever since you were born, you were using only Windows, then one day you wanted to learn programming, would you start it in Linux? I have to stress out, this ain’t a place for pros or pro-soon-to-bes who deal with very sophisticated programming.. Anyway, I never said something wrong.. It’s just that, i can’t mention EVERYTHING.. If you’re a beginner, you would not want to be fed by very complicated explanations.. Learning is a process, and for a process, it takes steps.. If i won’t be able to properly communicate with beginners, then my purpose is a defeat.. Hehehehe… Simple eh?
Comment by plgeek — May 19, 2008 @ 7:32 am