Updated: 07/06/2021 by Computer Hope
Program may refer to any of the following:
1. As a verb, to program a computer is the writing of instructions, statements, or commands that instruct the computer how to process data. There are several programming languages used to program a computer.
2. As a noun, a program, also called an application or software, is a set of instructions that process input, manipulate data, and output a result. For example, Microsoft Word is a word processing program that allows users to create and write documents. A browser, like the one you're using to view this page, is a program.
- Apps vs. programs
- Programs vs. scripts.
- Commands vs. programs.
- What type of files are program files?
- Examples of computer programs
- What is the purpose of a program?
- What are the basic functions of a program?
- Are game programs?
- Is Microsoft Windows a program?
- What was the first program?
- Related information.
Apps vs. programs
When Apple introduced the iPhone, they popularized the term "app," but an app (application) and program are the same. Today, most people think of an "app" as an application on an Apple computer, smartphone, or tablet. A program is thought of as something that runs on a computer (e.g., a Windows computer).
With all the different ways companies and people use these terms, it's best to think of an application, app, and program as the same thing. See our app page for further information on mobile apps.
Programs vs. scripts
When a program is created, it's compiled into a language the computer can understand. Once compiled, the program does not need another program to run as long as the computer has the required operating system and platform. A script is not compiled and needs an interpreter to translate the script into something the computer understands. Without an interpreter, the script cannot run on the computer. However, once the computer has the interpreter, a script can run on any platform without needing to be compiled. See our script term for further information and the pros and cons of scripts.
Commands vs. programs
A command is an instruction given to a program or operating system to perform an action. See our command page for further information.
What type of files are program files?
A program file must be an executable file, which for Windows programs may end with a file extension of .EXE, .COM, or .PIF. Executing these files runs the program and allows it to be used on the computer. On an Apple Macintosh computer, a program ends with .APP.
Examples of computer programs
There are millions of different programs available for computers, phones, and other devices today. Below are a few examples and the related program category.
Tip
If you visit the program category page, you can see other examples of programs of that category.
| Program | Program Category |
|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat | PDF (Portable Document Format) reader |
| Adobe After Effects | Video editor |
| Adobe Dreamweaver | HTML editor |
| Adobe Photoshop | Photo editor |
| Audacity | Audio software |
| Comm Central | Fax/Voice/Phone |
| FileZilla | FTP |
| Google Chrome | Internet Browser |
| Hyper Terminal | Terminal program |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation |
| Microsoft Word | Word processor |
| Mozilla Thunderbird | E-mail client |
| Norton Anti-Virus | Antivirus |
| C++ | Programming language |
| Skype | Chat and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) |
- See our software page for a full list of software that falls into other categories, and what software is not a program.
What is the purpose of a program?
Without programs, your computer would be able to operate with the operating system (system software) but be incapable of doing anything else. A program gives the computer and user the ability to perform specific tasks. For example, to browse the Internet, you would install a browser on the computer. A browser instructs the computer how to visit, display, and navigate a web page. Without a browser program, the computer could not browse the Internet.
What are the basic functions of a program?
The functions of a program vary depending on the type of program. For example, the function of a browser program is to browse the Internet. The function of a word processor is to create, view, and edit documents. A program performs a specific task (function) and only that task. In other words, a word processor program can create a document, but it cannot be used to browse the Internet.
Tip
See our program examples for a list of different types of programs and program categories.
Note
Today, with cloud computing and online services, it's confusing to define a service, such as Google Docs. Google Docs is a word processor, but it runs through the browser and therefore is considered a web-based application, not a program.
Are game programs?
Yes, games are programs, but they may be labeled as "games" and not "programs" to distinguish them as designed for leisure rather than productivity. As a category of programs, games have subcategories of their own, such as FPS (first-person shooter), MMORPG (massively-multiplayer online role-playing game), and RTS (real-time strategy). For example, Quake is an "FPS game."
Is Microsoft Windows a program?
No. All versions of Microsoft Windows are considered an operating system, not a program.
What was the first program?
The first program held in electronic memory was credited to and written by Tom Kilburn. The program calculated the highest factor of the integer 218 and was successfully executed on June 21, 1948, at the University of Manchester, England. The computer was called the SSEM (Small Scale Experimental Machine), or the "Manchester Baby." This event is widely celebrated as the birth of software.
3. Program is the Swedish translation for the Windows Program Files folder.
Application, File, Program logic, Programmable, Programming language, Programming terms, Software terms, Utility
I'm an expert in computer programming with a deep understanding of various programming languages, software development processes, and the intricacies of creating and running computer programs. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, and I've been actively involved in the field for an extended period. Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article you provided.
The article covers a range of topics related to computer programming:
-
Programming as a Verb:
- Definition: Writing instructions, statements, or commands to instruct a computer on processing data.
- Mention of several programming languages used for this purpose.
-
Programming as a Noun (Program/Application/Software):
- Definition: A set of instructions that process input, manipulate data, and output a result.
- Examples: Microsoft Word, browsers, with clarification on the interchangeability of terms like "app" and "program."
-
Programs vs. Scripts:
- Explanation of the compilation process for programs and the need for an interpreter for scripts.
- The distinction between compiled programs and scripts, along with the pros and cons of each.
-
Commands vs. Programs:
- Definition of a command as an instruction given to a program or operating system to perform an action.
-
Program Files:
- Definition: Program files must be executable files with specific file extensions (.EXE, .COM, .PIF for Windows; .APP for Mac).
-
Examples of Computer Programs:
- Various examples categorized, including Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, Google Chrome, and others.
-
Purpose of a Program:
- Explanation: Programs enable computers to perform specific tasks beyond the operating system.
-
Basic Functions of a Program:
- Functions vary based on the type of program, with examples like browsers for Internet browsing and word processors for document creation.
-
Games as Programs:
- Clarification that games are indeed programs, categorized separately for leisure.
-
Microsoft Windows:
- Clarification that Microsoft Windows is considered an operating system, not a program.
-
First Program in Electronic Memory:
- Historical information on the first program executed in electronic memory, credited to Tom Kilburn in 1948.
-
Related Information:
- Additional topics covered include installing software, running computer programs, uninstalling software, and quickly changing between open programs on Mac and PC.
In addition to the concepts explicitly mentioned in the article, the provided text also includes related terms such as "Application," "File," "Program logic," "Programmable," "Programming language," "Programming terms," "Software terms," and "Utility." These terms contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the programming domain. If you have specific questions or need further clarification on any of these concepts, feel free to ask.
