What is Coding

What is Coding?

Coding is the process of translating human commands into computer language.

Computer language, also known as programming language, is a system of notation that provides specific terms and directions for humans to write instructions for computers. In programming languages, we translate human commands into logical and sequential instructions.

Programming languages classification

As we know, The computer consists of hardware and software. Coding is performed on the computer software system for subsequent execution by the physical machine (hardware system). However, not all programming languages are able to provide instructions directly to the hardware system.

Based on how programming languages are able to interact with computer’s hardware systems, programming languages are classified into:

1. Machine Language

Machine language provides instructions directly to the hardware without needing an interpreter or compiler. Coding using Machine Language is hard for humans to write, read, and understand because Machine Language is binary notation.

2. Assembly Language

This language is a translator between high-level language and machine language. Assembly language is a machine-oriented language whose objective is to make a command understandable and executed by a machine in a human-readable syntax. Assembly language can only be understood by machines after the assembler translates it into binary and hexadecimal notation (also known as machine language) so that the hardware system can perform the instructions given in the assembly language.

3. High Level

At a high level, we code using language that humans can understand. It needs tools to compile or interpret our instructions for the computer to understand. Examples of high-level languages are Java, PHP, JavaScript, C, and Python.

The interaction between human and computer languages can be described in the following image.

How to be an expert in coding?

Coding might be challenging. To code effectively, we need to understand the environment, architecture, and how to use compiler/interpreter, code editor, syntax, variable, and data structure. There are a bunch of things we need to learn, and we can start with the very fundamental things:

1. why do you want to code?

Find the reasons why you want to code, whether to get a job or make cool stuff. It’s important to have strong reasons to keep you motivated.

2. Focus on one Programming language and understand it.

Every expert is once a beginner, and mastering one programming language in depth will help us understand better coding structures and environments such as code editor, compiler, interpreter, variables, syntax, error handling, functions, constructs, data types, data structures, repetition, programming algorithms, programming frameworks, library, and data storage & visualization. After understanding this concept, we can explore other programming languages according to our goals and needs.

3. Find a mentor

Having a supportive mentor can help us understand coding quickly. A mentor can offer structured and systematic learning materials and encourage us to stay on track.

4. Read / Watch Tutorial

We can access many programming tutorials for free on digital platforms. These tutorials are easy to understand as they provide a step-by-step process to help us solve problems and improve our coding skills.

5. Read Documentation

Each programming language/framework has online documentation. This documentation contains information about the technology, structure, functions/procedures, and usage examples. Reading the documentation will help us take advantage of all the functions provided by the programming language/framework.

6. follow communities and forums

Joining communities and forums will allow you to brainstorm, discuss, and solve specific problems while coding. In these communities and forums, you can also see case studies that can be your reference and insight and improve your coding skills. You will usually get information about the latest trending technologies by following communities and forums.

7. Join workshops or Bootcamps

Attending workshops or boot camps will broaden your knowledge and experience of coding, provide opportunities to develop coding skills, and help you reach new profitable projects.

8. Build a project

You can take on a simple project to measure your understanding and problem-solving skills in coding. This will also help you improve your logical thinking and explore new functions or libraries. If you encounter difficulties, you can seek help from your mentor, online forums, or communities you are a part of, and consult online documentation or tutorials for solutions.

9. Collaborate with other programmers

Collaborating with other programmers on projects can provide new insights and help you learn new techniques. Each programmer typically has their own way of solving a problem, so working with others can expose you to different methods and rapidly improve your coding skills.

Examples of Coding in Programming Languages

The following is an example of coding in the JavaScript, Python, and PHP programming languages to display numbers 1-10 using the loop function.

1. JavaScript

function CountToTen(limit){
    for (var i = 1; i <= limit; i +=1){
        console.log(i)
    }
}
CountToTen(10);

2. Python

def CountToTen(limit):
    for i in range(1, limit):
        print(i)

print(CountToTen(11))

3. PHP

function CountToTen($limit) {
    for ($i = 1; $i <= $limit; $i++) {
  		echo " $i <br>";
	}
}
CountToTen(10);

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References:
– https://www.tutorialandexample.com/middle-level-language
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_language
– https://www.goodcore.co.uk/blog/what-is-coding/
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programming
– https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/what-is-coding/
– https://grasshopper.app/why-coding/
– https://www.zdnet.com/education/computers-tech/what-is-coding-and-what-is-it-used-for/
– https://unstop.com/blog/what-is-coding
– https://www.makeuseof.com/how-does-a-computer-execute-code/
– https://www.techopedia.com/definition/20789/medium-level-language-mll