What is a Programming Language?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for programming language.
What is a Programming Language? A Quick Definition
A programming language is a set of instructions and rules used to communicate with computers and create software applications. It provides a structured way for programmers to write code and give commands to a computer, enabling it to perform specific tasks and operations.
Programming languages serve as a bridge between human-readable code and machine-executable instructions, allowing developers to build a wide range of software and applications.
Programming Language, Explained Like You’re Five
Imagine you have a magic wand, and you want to tell your toy robot or your computer what to do. But instead of using normal words, you have a special language just for them.
This special language is called a “programming language.” It’s like a secret code that you use to talk to your toy robot or computer and tell them how to do fun things like play games or draw pictures.
When you use the programming language, your toy robot or computer understands your commands and does exactly what you want them to do, like magic!
Programming Language, Explained for Non-Techies
A programming language is a special set of instructions that people use to communicate with computers. It’s like a way of giving step-by-step directions to the computer, telling it what to do.
Just like you use your regular language to talk to friends, in a programming language, you use a specific set of words and rules to talk to the computer and make it perform tasks or create software. It’s how programmers write the software and apps that we use in our daily lives, making the computer do all kinds of useful and fun things.
Programming Language, Explained for Beginner Techies
A programming language is a structured and specific way for people to write instructions that a computer can understand and follow. It’s like a tool that allows you to communicate with the computer and tell it what to do step-by-step.
You use the programming language to create software, applications, and websites by writing code that tells the computer how to process data, make decisions, and perform tasks. Each programming language has its own set of rules and vocabulary, but they all serve the same purpose: helping you bring your ideas to life and make the computer do what you want it to do.
