What is Coding?

The process of developing instructions for the computer system with the help of a programming language is called coding. Generally, these codes are used to create apps, websites, and other technologies. Program/coding languages are used to analyze and generate an algorithm for obtaining the necessary result.

Evolution of coding

The first-ever computer developer as per history is Ada Lovelace. In 1843, Ada has published a report related to machines, which is translated (interpreted) from French along with her notes from where the first algorithm is processed by the machine.

In 1923, electricity and coding are combined by the German military for communication purposes; however, a secret code message is sent through the enigma machine. The military war is ended by Alan Turing, who cracked the code to end the war. Later in 1936, Turing has created a flexible machine. The computer can do multiple tasks and read binary code with multiple instructions. The major drawback is that the instructions are read through long tapes. Where the computers are programmed with binary code along with the memory of 128 bytes, which is quite large to fill a room.

In 1948, assembly-level language is developed. It is a low-level language, which consists of instruction( code which only the machine can understand). This is mostly used in developing computer viruses. Later in the 1950s, there are more inventions related to coding language which are still used, especially LISP, Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), ALGOrithmic Language (ALGOL), auto code, and Formula Translation (FORTRAN).

FORTRAN is developed for scientific and numeric computation in 1957. Compared to FORTRAN, ALGOL has an easy syntax and implement nested functions. In the 60s, technology is unfolded where computer games are born, along with the invention of the mouse, and the development of the predecessor(of the internet). During 1970, there is the development of PASCAL, a high-level programming language.

Coding at workspace

The development of technology is at its peak during the 80s as per the coding history. C++ is developed in 1983, Practical Extraction and Reporting Language(PERL) in 1987, and the internet was developed in 1989 which is a very big impact. In the 1990's Java, PHP, JavaScript, and Python are developed. Without these, there would not be any streaming server, apps, or social media.

Tools to translate the source code to machine code

Most of the programs are developed by using high-level languages including C++, Java, Python, etc. and these codes are called source code. To execute, the source code is converted to machine code. To translate, a program called a language processor is used, which translates the high-level language to machine code. The following are the types of language processors:

Compiler

A compiler translates the entire source code to equivalent machine code. Here, the source code is converted to object code only when the code is error-free. If there is any error, then the compiler will display it at the compilation end along with its line number. Generally, the source code is in a high-level language like C#, C++, Java, C, etc.

Assembler

This translates/converts the assembly code to machine code. The assembler will generate the object/machine code which the computer can understand. This is the 1^st interface to communicate humans with devices/machines. Assembly codes are the sort of mnemonics such as MUL, ADD, LOAD, STORE, and so forth and these are translated to binary code.

Interpreter

 An interpreter will translate/convert the source code’s single statement to machine code and execute it before moving to the next line. Once the interpreter finds an error in the statement, then the translation will be terminated to display the error. The interpreter executes the instruction directly, without converting the source code to machine/object code. The programming languages that use interpreters are Python, Matlab, and Perl.

Programming languages

Programming languages are important to develop websites, apps, streaming servers, or social media. Some of the programming languages are listed below:

Assembly coding: Assembly language program is a low-level language, where this is an introduction language. It processes information and data in the form of binary digits. It uses a set of 0’s and 1’s for computer programming.

C: C is one of the middle-level languages used by programmers/developers. The code is written using the basic English language which is easily understandable by any program developer.

Java: Java is one of the basics of object-oriented languages. It is used to develop the software application. The values are assigned to the objects and these objects store the values in memory directly.

Python: Python language is mostly used to develop real-time artificial intelligence applications. The user can easily interact with that application and can also create 3D software applications with the help of python.

Advantages of Coding

• Enables writing complex applications easily using IDEs and frameworks.
• High-level programming language is easy to use and understand.
• Enables writing maintainable code.

Disadvantages of Coding

• Some languages are machine-dependent.
• This skill can be acquired only through proper training and practice.
• If the code is not well-written, then it makes the application useless.

Context and Applications

This topic is important for postgraduate and undergraduate courses, particularly for, Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering and Associate of Science in Computer Science.

Practice Problems

Question 1: What is mentioned as a low-level programming language?

(A) Readable Language

(B) Small level of programs present in the language

(C) A large number of programs are present in the language

(D) The language is difficult for programmers to understand, and it is hard to read

Answer: Option D is correct.

Explanation: Low-level coding languages are hard to understand by beginners; as they are presented in a binary format; it is not easy to read and understand the code. It operates with a total number of 0’s and several 1’s. The Assembly languages are the best suitable ones for low-level programming languages.

Question 2: What is the advantage of coding?

(A) Program coding can be secured

(B) Syntax varies between programming languages

(C) Involvement of teamwork happens

(D) Difficult for users to understand

Answer: Option C is correct.

Explanation: When a programmer starts to code in a particular programming language or if he wants to develop one application by using a specified programming language, then the team involved should be always present to produce needed results.

Question 3: Does python uses any specified data type before the variable?

(A) Yes

(B) No

(C) Maybe yes

(D) None of the above

Answer: Option B is correct.

Explanation: Python does not use any data types and variables are declared directly without any data type.

Question 4: Is coding is an introduction to the basic skills of a developer?

(A) Yes

(B) No

(C) Maybe yes

(D) None of the above

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: Yes, coding is an introduction to the basic skills for a developer and the developer needs enough knowledge of the concepts.

Question 5: Which is used as a low-level programming language?

(A) Assembly language

(B) C language

(C) Java language

(D) Python language

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: Assembly language is a low-level programming language that uses 0’s and 1’s for developing coding. Both the data and information are passed in the form of binary digits.