The words ‘coding’ and ‘programming’ are the two most important used terms in the software development industries. Coding is basically the process of creating codes from one programming language to another, and programming is developing an executable machine-level program that can be implemented without any error.
Let’s understand what these two terms mean and what is the difference between coding and programming with examples.
What is Coding?
Computer coding is the use of computer programming languages to give computers and machines a set of instructions on what actions to perform. Coding allows humans to communicate with computers. Code instructs the computer which tasks to be performed and what things to do. People use coding to give computers and other machines instructions on what actions to perform. We also use computer code to program the websites, apps, and other technologies we interact with every day.
How Does Coding Work?
Coding is a process of establishing successful communication between a software program and computer hardware. The compilers translate the program into assembly language. The coding process converts the assembly language to Binary Coded Signals
Computer systems are electronic devices that rely on binary-coded signals for communication and functioning. The two types of binary coded signals are 0’s and 1’s. These signals are generated using switches and transistors. In the process of coding, the high-level language and the assembly-level languages are translated into binary codes and the communication between the computer hardware and software application is established.
What is Programming?
The basic definition of programming is a set of instructions given to some device for performing tasks on behalf of a human for doing them. This is not that easy to provide those instructions as you listen. Actually, there are a lot of things happening behind the scene such as working with algorithms, memory management tasks, testing, debugging, and a lot more.
These tasks all together give a well-designed and performing program for the public to make their life so comfortable. Generally, a programmer had to stick with plans and actions regarding what they do for it. They should follow a methodical approach in order to fulfill the needs of the end-user.
How Does Programming Work?
Programming is a complex task. Unlike coding, programming is carried out in Stages. Following are the stages of programming a software application. The full process of programming consists of six broad stages – problem statement, designing algorithms and flowcharts, software development, software testing, software documentation, and software maintenance.
Difference Between Coding and Programming
These are the main differences between coding and programming.
| Coding | Programming |
| Coding is just taking part in the process of programming. | Programming is about developing full-fledged software. |
| The primary aim of coding is to facilitate communications between humans and machines. | Programming is the process of formally writing codes so that there is a synchronization of the human inputs and machine outputs. |
| A simple text editor is enough for coding and coders to prefer that had good themes in it. | A set of specific tools is needed for different tasks such as testing, Debugging, and others. |
| A person should be good at basic knowledge of programming languages and syntax. | A person should be expertise in algorithms, problem modeling, and project management. |
| No prerequisites are needed to get started. | Proper planning and time management are things to take care of here. |
| As a result, we get a simple solution or a small piece of code. | As a result, we get a full-ready-to-use application. |
Practice Problems
- Programming is a part of coding (True/False)
- Coding is a part of programming (True/False)
- The primary aim of coding is the synchronization of human inputs and machine outputs (True/False)
- The primary aim of programming is the synchronization of human inputs and machine outputs (True/False)
- Binary language consists of symbols
- $1$ and $2$
- $0$ and $1$
- $0$ and $2$
- $1$ and $-1$
FAQs
What is coding in simple terms?
In simple terms, coding is the act of feeding commands to a computer in a language it can understand. The computer uses these commands to fulfill a task or a variety of tasks set by the person.
What is an example of coding?
Coding is used for communicating with computers. People use coding to give computers and other machines instructions on what actions to perform. We also use computer code to program the websites, apps, and other technologies we interact with every day.
Is it better to learn coding or programming?
Coding is the initial step of developing any software and thus it is much easier and simpler to analyze and understand than Programming. Programming deals with different types of complex scenarios and programs to ensure the proper implementation of the product. The basic difference between coding and programming lies in the fact that programming is a superset of coding.
Conclusion
The terms coding and programming appear to be interchangeable at first glance, but they are not. There is a difference between coding and programming in their approach and work. While coding is the process of writing programs from one language to the other, programming is the process of programming a computer to perform a set of instructions. Coding is also a subset of programming.
