What is Coding: Difference Between Coding And Programming
This blog explains what is coding. It also covers the difference between coding and programming.
Coding is generally a system of rules to convert information or action into another form for better communication. Here, it’s about talking to a machine. Machine coding or coding is at the base of almost every electronic device or application we use and every web page we see. It is about telling a machine what to do and how to do it. In this blog, you will learn what is coding and what is it used for. We will also discuss the difference between coding and programming.
What is Coding?
Coding is how humans communicate with machines. It is the use of computer programming languages to give computers instructions on what to do. Those who develop code are called coders, programmers, or developers. Writing code is the process of creating a set of instructions for the computer.
Let us understand this in a simpler manner. Computers and machines don’t understand the languages that humans speak. They have their own binary language called Machine Code or Machine Language. Machine code is a series of computer instructions, where every instruction is represented as a string of binary digits or bits (i.e., 1’s and 0’s). These binary digits instruct the multiple transistors in a machine to perform the required tasks by switching ON and OFF.
Best-suited Programming courses for you
Learn Programming with these high-rated online courses
What is Coding Used for?
Computer coding is an important part of almost all aspects of our lives. Many things that we interact with every day are controlled by programming. Coding enables programmers or coders to build computer software, websites, mobile apps, games, operating systems, and more.
Machines have made work faster, safer, and more reliable. Since every electronic machine runs on code, it’s apparent why coding can be found anywhere. Coding has a variety of applications and the presence of code in our daily lives will increase. Some of the most popular uses of coding are:
- Website development
- App development
- Graphic designing
- Game development
- Sofware development
- Program robots and automated cars
Why Learn Coding?
Whether you’re a graduate or school student, a marketer, a business owner, or just curious about coding, there are many advantages to learning how to code.
- Build your own website
- Start your own business
- Work in the IT industry
- Enhance problem-solving skills
- Work as a freelancer
Programming Definition
Programming is the higher and more complex level of coding. It is the process of providing a series of instructions to a machine or computer to carry out the task. Programming is a broad term that involves coding and other related web development skills.
What is a Programming Language?
A programming language acts as an interface between programmers or coders and machine language. Understanding and writing programs in machine code can be slow, complex, and error-prone. So, nowadays, programmers write most programs in higher-level programming languages. Some of the popular programming languages are:
- Python
- Java
- Ruby
- C Programming
- JavaScript
- Scala
- PHP
- C++
- Go
Find the top C programming books
The source code below uses the Python programming language to print Hello, World. Easy, right?
# Program to print Hello, World!print('Hello, World!')
Output
Hello, World!
How Do Programming Languages Work?
- A coder or programmer writes a code to instruct a computer on what task to perform.
- The code is compiled – turned into a machine code that a computer can understand.
- The computer will execute the code and perform the task.
How to Learn Coding and Programming?
If you have decided to take up coding or programming as your career path, you will need to know the fundamentals. You can explore the basics with online courses. There are a variety of online courses to help you get started. Here are the top courses which can help you learn to code.
- Introductory C Programming Specialization
- Getting Started with Programming in Java
- Coding for Designers, Managers, and Entrepreneurs Specialization
- C Programming: Getting Started
- Introduction to Computer Science and Programming – Python
You can also Explore:
Coding vs Programming: What is the Difference?
Coding is a subset of Programming. It can control individual transistors in a machine. Coding involves translating instruction into a language a computer understands. It involves translating codes from one language to another one. There are, however, thousands of transistors in machines such as computers and smartphones. So, it is cumbersome to control individual transistors manually.
Programming languages make this process easier as they work on specific sections rather than individual transistors. It is a more complex set of processes. It involves developing an executable machine-level program that can be implemented without any error. For example, a social media platform like Instagram is programmed in Python programming language.
Following are the key differences between coding and programming:
- Coding is the process of translating language into binary commands for computers. It converts the requirement logic into machine-understandable code. On the other hand, programming deals with creating a program that follows specific standards to perform a specific task. It may require analysis and conceptualization of different parameters of a program.
- Coding requires simple tools such as a WordPad or Notepad whereas programming may require a variety of tools such as compilers, code analysis tools, testing frameworks, databases, and assemblers.
- Coders need to know programming languages whereas programmers must have a specialized degree as well as experience to write logic and complex programs. Programmers also need to have a basic understanding of algorithms, data structures, and more.
- The final outcome of the tasks performed by coders is a code that is given to a computer while programmers generate a software product or application.
Conclusion
Coding is everywhere – from smart TVs to home appliances to online games, to mobile apps, and interactive web pages. It is the backbone of the technological world. It is empowering us to transform our industries and workplaces and shape our future. Learning to code can open you up to a world of career opportunities. Whether your goal is to build a mobile application or program a robot, coding is an in-demand skill that will take you far in life.
Enrol in an online programming course today to kickstart your exciting journey.
Top Trending Tech Articles:
Career Opportunities after BTech | Online Python Compiler | What is Coding | Queue Data Structure | Top Programming Language | Trending DevOps Tools | Highest Paid IT Jobs | Most In Demand IT Skills | Networking Interview Questions | Features of Java | Basic Linux Commands | Amazon Interview Questions
Recently completed any professional course/certification from the market? Tell us what liked or disliked in the course for more curated content.
Click here to submit its review with Shiksha Online.
FAQs
Is coding difficult to learn?
No, coding is not difficult to learn. If you have the willingness to learn how to code, then you can easily learn to code. All it requires to learn to code is patience and time. There are a variety of resources such as online courses, books, podcasts, YouTube channels that can help you learn to code.
How do I start coding?
To start coding, you need to first learn about computer architecture. Once you have the knowledge of architecture, you should gain expertise in a programming language. While learning the language, keep on practising programs to understand the execution.
How long will it take to learn to code?
It might take you around three to six months to learn the basics of coding if you are a beginner. It might take you even longer if you want to become proficient at it.
What programming language should I learn first?
For new programmers, Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. It has a simple syntax that reads like English. Python is easier to learn, write, and understand than most other major programming languages. You do not need a formal degree to get a job in coding or programming. You can learn coding and programming skills through a variety of free online resources. To learn to code, you can take up an online course, enrol in a Bootcamp, watch YouTube videos, or read books to learn how to code.
Do I need a degree to get a coding or programming job?
You do not need a formal degree to get a job in coding or programming. You can learn coding and programming skills through a variety of free online resources. To learn to code, you can take up an online course, enrol in a Bootcamp, watch YouTube videos, or read books to learn how to code.
What are high-level and low-level programming languages?
High-level languages are user-oriented programming languages that are closer to human language. Low-level programming languages are machine-oriented and are close to binary code.
Which is better between coding and programming?
Coding enables coders to translate the requirement logic into a code that is understandable by the machine. Coding is the initial step of developing any software and is easier to understand than programming. Programming is broader than coding and enables programmers to analyze various aspects of programs.
Why should I learn to program?
Learning to program offers numerous benefits. Some of the advantages of learning programming are - it develops your problem-solving skills, boosts your resume, provides career flexibility, and can also land you a high-paying programming job.
Can I learn coding on my own?
Yes, you can learn coding on your own through video tutorials, books, and online courses. etc. However, self-learning coding will take more time than learning it under the guidance of a mentor.
This is a collection of insightful articles from domain experts in the fields of Cloud Computing, DevOps, AWS, Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, and Natural Language Processing. The range of topics caters to upski... Read Full Bio
Top Picks & New Arrivals
