Coding and programming have different processes and goals. Programming has a long series of processes, and coding is one of those processes. To help understand the differences, let’s first look at the definitions.
What is Coding?
Humans use language to understand each other, and use coding to communicate with computers.
Coding is the process of writing instructions for computers using programming languages. Coding is a way for humans to communicate with computers. In coding, we translate human commands into a programming language and make the computer understand how to do particular tasks.
Just like humans have a rich variety of languages based on region or culture, programming languages also have many variations based on their environment. For example, we can use PHP or JavaScript to create web-based applications and C++ or Java to develop mobile-based applications.
Programming/coding languages have stringent rules. In human language, we can understand a sentence even if the grammar and the word choice are incorrect. Programming languages are sensitive to these writing patterns and rules. To write understandable commands for computers, we should follow the writing rules correctly; otherwise, the computer will not be able to execute our commands. Every programming language has its structure and writing rules; these structure and writing rules are called syntax.
Based on the description above, we can conclude that coding is the process of translating commands in human language into programming languages to be executed by computers. Coding is just a part of the programming process as programming has many other steps in creating and maintaining computer applications.
What is Programming?
Definition
Programming is the process of analyzing, creating, and maintaining computer applications to solve particular problems. Programming has several steps, such as: research, problem analysis, design, coding, testing, implementation, documentation, and maintenance.
We need programming to build a high-quality computer application. In programming, we conduct a series of processes to build an application from scratch to the final stage.
Programming process
The initial stage in programming is to analyze the problem. After that, we determine the solution and design the features needed for an application to meet our expected outcome.
In the next process, we proceed to build the application by writing code in one or multiple programming languages based on its requirements and design. Then, we will test the application to ensure it runs well and is ready to use. If no more errors or bugs are found and a series of testing processes are completed, we can present the application for widespread use. The programming process doesn’t stop here. We also need to prepare the documentation. This documentation will provide information such as the programming language used, framework, library, features, data structure, and how it works to facilitate further development or maintenance.
The next stage in the programming process is maintenance. Every computer application requires maintenance to ensure the built system remains functional according to user needs and keeps abreast of the latest technological developments. This maintenance stage is also crucial to protect the application from damage caused by irresponsible interference.
Coding VS Programming
Based on the definitions above, we can identify at least five main differences:
1. Scope
Programming is a comprehensive process of building a computer application, while coding is a part of it.
A simple application might not need the programming processes.
For example, we need programming to create an accounting application, but we only need coding skills to create a simple web-based company profile.
2. Skill and Expertise
Programming needs a wide range of expertise to analyze, manage, build, and maintain the project. Coding requires knowledge and skills to work with programming languages and their environments.
3. The Tools
Programming requires many tools. These tools are used for drawing concepts and workflows, designing user interfaces and experiences, writing code, loading testers, and analyzing performance. Coding requires fewer tools, like language environments and libraries, code editors, and compilers/interpreter .
4. The Process
The programming process is much more complex. It involves analyzing the problem, identifying and planning the solution, writing code to develop the application, testing, implementing, documenting, and maintaining. Whereas the coding process includes choosing the correct programming languages, writing code for computers, and testing and debugging.
5. The Goal and The End Result
Programming aims to comprehensively solve problems that need computer-based solutions by producing and maintaining an application. The coding process aims to create functional procedures for computers to perform particular tasks using programming languages.
As described above, the differences can be summarized in the following table :
| Coding | Programming |
|---|---|
| Coding is a part of programming. Coding is the process of writing instructions for computers that includes testing and debugging the code to create functional procedures. | Programming is a process of creating applications that involve analyzing the problem, identifying and planning the solution, writing code to develop the program, and testing, implementing, documenting, and maintaining the application. |
| Coding requires basic knowledge of programming languages, such as syntax, functions, methods, and data types. | Programming requires excellent analyzing skills, a good understanding of problem modeling, creating algorithms and coding, data processing, and project management. |
Coding requires simple and fewer tools. | Due to its lengthy process, programming requires a large number of tools. |
| Coding has simpler process | The programming process is way more complex and comprehensive. |
| Coding knowledge helps to work with simple projects. | Programming knowledge helps to work, manage, and maintain big projects. |
Conclusion
To summarize, programming can’t be done without coding, and coding is not comprehensive enough without programming. whether we need a comprehensive programming or a simple coding it all depends on our goals. Programming knowledge helps us to work, manage, and maintain big projects, and the ability to code is enough to work on small projects.
Reference:
– https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/difference-between
– https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/c-tutorial/coding-vs-progrmming#what_is_coding
– https://www.goodcore.co.uk/blog/coding-vs-programming/
