Learning programming terminology is an important step on your journey toward working as a software developer. You’ll notice that the list of programming terms covers a wide range of topics, from complex subjects like higher-level language and data types to fundamental terms like source code and machine code.
This beginner’s guide explains the fundamental and advanced terms used in programming. Studying this glossary of programming terminology will prepare you for any software development role that appeals to you.
What Is Programming?
Programming is the act of sending procedures and functions to a machine to give it directions to execute. Programmers enter a set of instructions, and the computer analyzes the function class assigned to it.
Programming instructs a computer to perform a variety of tasks. These tasks can range from as simple as “on” and “off” to more complex code such as directions to batch process a large set of data.
Who Uses Programming Terminology?
Software engineers, computer programmers, and web developers all use programming terminology. If they are above the beginner level, they should have a good understanding of a wide array of programming industry concepts. These professionals develop code and build software using the terms below to explain their work.
List of Programming Terms: Things Every Programmer Should Know
- Agile software development
- Application programming interface
- Arithmetic operators
- Artificial intelligence
- Assignment operators
- Cascading Style Sheets
- Coding bootcamp
- Command-line interface
- Computational thinking
- Data types
- Edge device
- High-level language
- Iteration
- LAMP stack
- Low-level language
- Machine language
- Markup language
- Project-based learning
- Object-oriented programming
- Source code
Glossary of Programming Terminology: 5 Common Programming Terms
Below are some fundamental programming terms that you should be aware of. These are simple terms that computer programmers use regularly.
Coding Bootcamp
A coding bootcamp is an intensive training program that usually lasts a few months. It equips students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become job-ready professionals. These courses are cost-effective and efficient when compared to traditional forms of education.
Why Programmers Need to Know About Coding Bootcamps
Programmers need to know about coding bootcamps because of their usefulness. Bootcamps are modern learning programs that provide updated information. They can be a great stepping stone for aspiring programmers who want to break into the tech industry.
Data Types
Data types include data classifications and variable types. These could be a character data type, an abstract data type, or a union type. A data type is a snippet of code that categorizes words and signifiers within a program.
Why Programmers Need to Know About Data Types
Data types help programmers organize their data. For example, a character data type is categorized for letters a, b, c, and more. An abstract data type is a collection of objects with a defined set of operations or values.
Iteration
An iteration is an individual passage of a block of code within a loop. Every time a block of code is included in an executable file, one iteration is recorded. There are two types of loops, a limited loop, and an endless loop.
Why Programmers Need to Know About Iteration
Programmers need to know about iteration because they’ll need it to create a sequence of possible outcomes. Iteration is a repetitive process that allows programmers to automate a piece of software that they create to increase their productivity.
Machine Language
Machine language, or machine code, is a low-level programming language that consists of numerical code and function definition. It is the only language that computers understand. An example of a piece of machine code is 00000001.
Why Programmers Need to Know About Machine Language
Machine code refers to the function class of machines that are derived from a higher-level language. A software engineer uses high-level programming languages such as C++ or JavaScript to create code. However, understanding low-level computer functional languages can help programmers write more effective code.
Source Code
Source code is the primary storage of the higher-order functions of a piece of software. It’s the set of commands that acts as an executable file for a program. These are the protocols and function classes of a given piece of software or website.
Why Programmers Need to Know About Source Code
Source code is the most important part of any software program. It’s the source file of all the executables and deliverables of a program.
Programming Terminology Cheat Sheet: 5 Advanced Programming Terms
The advanced terms below are worth learning after you have become familiar with basic programming phrases. Each programming term is highly technical and may require further study to grasp fully.
Agile Software Development
Agile software development is a set of practices that governs the way a team creates software programs. Agile development involves collaboration among cross-functional teams to build software efficiently. Each team within the Agile framework will work on its own piece of code that will become part of the final project.
Why Programmers Should Know About Agile Software Development
Agile software development is a common software creation approach that’s used by many major tech firms. By dividing a project into smaller chunks, each programming team can write code more efficiently. Sprints provide developers with concise workloads and allows them to conduct a proper code review to ensure that each component is perfect.
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
An API is an interface that allows for third-party interactions between two separate software services. APIs help programmers gain easy access to other software components and external programs.
Why Programmers Should Know About APIs
APIs improve the overall framework and usability of a program. It adds different features that can enhance a software’s viability. It also connects web services to one another. Many companies make their APIs available to developers to build on top of.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
Cascading Style Sheets is the front end markup language used for websites. It controls the aesthetics of the site. Along with HTML, CSS forms the building blocks of all websites.
Why Programmers Should Know About CSS
CSS is responsible for making websites visually appealing. HTML forms the structural integrity of the website, while CSS provides the visual enhancements that draw visitors in.
LAMP Stack
LAMP Stack is when a programmer uses the Linux operating system, Apache HTTP server, MySQL, and PHP to build websites. It’s an open-source framework that allows programmers to build powerful websites and servers.
Why Programmers Should Know About LAMP Stack
The LAMP Stack allows you to copy, study, or modify your website’s code to suit your preferences and to suit the prospective users’ needs. Big companies such as Lyft and Tesla use this stack in their app and website development.
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Object-oriented programming is centered around digital objects that contain functions and data. Data and code are representations of an object’s properties. This data structure allows for unique variables within the program.
Why Programmers Should Know About OOP
OOP is a programming paradigm that allows for the independent modeling of data. Objects consist of both protocols and values. An example of an object-oriented language is JavaScript, C++, or Python.
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How Can I Learn Programming Terminology in 2022?
One way you can learn programming terminology in 2022 is through a coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps can help you gain significant hands-on experience. If you want to learn programming terminology on your own time, there are online coding courses that you can attend that’ll help boost your technical knowledge.
There are many easy-to-learn programming languages that you can start with if you want to become a programmer, some of which are mentioned above.
Programming Terminology FAQ
Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a programming job. There are even free coding bootcamps you can try out before deciding whether you want to commit to a paid one.
No. The Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a dip in demand in the coming years. The agency expected jobs for computer programmers to decline by around 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. Still, the data posits that there’ll be an average of 9,700 job openings in the field each year.
Yes, programming jobs pays well. The average base salary of a computer programmer is $65,077, according to Payscale. Entry-level programmers have an average salary of $42,676, while senior programmers bring in an average of $149,725.
Learning programming can be hard. For example, if you have no prior programming knowledge, you may struggle at first. However, there are plenty of free programming courses available online that can help you get started on your learning journey.
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