What Is Programming? And How To Get Started

Computer programming refers to the act of using different languages to communicate with and instruct computers. Programming languages are those that computers can read, and there are different languages to accomplish different tasks.

Programming makes it possible to do many of the activities we do each day, like using our computers or phones, as well as powering the systems that surround us, such as financial services and banking. Explore more about computer programming and coding languages below.  

What is programming?

Programming refers to a technological process for telling a computer which tasks to perform in order to solve problems. You can think of programming as a collaboration between humans and computers, in which humans create instructions for a computer to follow (code) in a language computers can understand. Programming enables so many things in our lives, such as: 

• When you browse a website to find information or make a purchase, programming allows you to interact with the site’s on-page elements, such as sign-up or purchase buttons, contact forms, and drop-down menus.

• The programming behind apps can make it easy to order food, book a rideshare service, track your fitness, access media, and more. 

• Programming helps businesses operate more efficiently through different software for file storage and automation and video conferencing tools to connect people globally. 

• Space exploration is made possible through programming.  

Is programming hard?

Much like learning any other kind of language, programming takes effort and consistency. Anecdotally, you may hear that it gets easier to learn other coding languages once you've mastered your first. The good news is that there are courses geared to any learning level, from small children to experienced programmers who want to expand into a new language.

Interested in learning your first coding language? Check out the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody specialization. You'll learn how to program using Python and gain confidence with the language.

What’s the difference between coding and programming?

Coding and programming are sometimes used interchangeably, but the two concepts are slightly different. Coding refers to the act of writing code, while programming refers to creating a set of instructions for a computer to follow, or a computer program. Programming can include a broader range of tasks, such as working with data structures and algorithms, that aren’t inherently coding.

How does computer programming work?

At its most basic, programming tells a computer what to do. Although there are many different kinds of coding languages, a computer can only speak a single language of machine language or object code. Object code is written in binary, which is a string of ones and zeros that doesn't look like a language we’d recognize. 

Translating code from something humans can read into something computers can depends on two types of programming languages. With compiled languages, such as C and C++, a compiler translates the code into a machine language. However, interpreted languages, such as Python and JavaScript, execute the code directly. There's no need for a compiler.  

In short, programming follows a few steps: 

• First, a programmer writes code—a set of letters, numbers, and other characters. 

• Next, a compiler converts each line of code into a language a computer can understand. 

• Then, the computer scans the code and executes it, thereby performing a task or series of tasks. 

Tasks might include displaying an image on a webpage or changing the font of a section of text. 

Key programming languages

Different programming languages enable programmers to write code that computers understand. According to a survey by Statista, the top five programming languages that developers use are [1]: 

• JavaScript, used by 62.3 percent  

• HTML/CSS, used by 52.9 percent

• SQL, used by 51 percent 

• Python, used by 51 percent 

• TypeScript, used by 38.5 percent 

Explore next what you can do with these programming languages. 

JavaScript

This language is used on every major web browser. JavaScript allows you to add complex features to a web page, such as content updates, interactive maps, and animated graphics, develop games, and more.   

Read more: Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

HTML/CSS

These languages are used to create web pages and web applications. You would use HTML (hypertext markup language) to build web page structure, while CSS (cascading style sheets) would enable you to determine the page’s styling.   

Read more: Easiest Programming Languages to Learn for Front-End Development

SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is used to communicate with databases, including updating and retrieving data.

Read more: What Does an SQL Developer Do? Role, Salary, and Skills

Python

Python programming is often used in machine learning, web development, and desktop applications. Python is a popular language among beginners, as the syntax is relatively easy to learn. It is known as an object-oriented programming language.

Read more: Why Learn About Object-Oriented Programming Languages?  

Practice your Python skills independently with tutorials

Not ready to commit to a course or a boot camp yet? You can read step-by-step guides for troubleshooting Python basics like syntax, if-else statements, exceptions, and working with loops in Coursera's free programming tutorials.

TypeScript

TypeScript is a free, open-source programming language developed by Microsoft as a superset of JavaScript. It’s used for developing large applications. 

Read more: Popular Programming Languages

[Entity card: https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/ibm-full-stack-cloud-developer]

Types of computer programming languages

While hundreds of programming languages (if not thousands) exist, and you could classify them in many ways, they typically can be grouped into five main categories:

1. Procedural programming languages

2. Functional programming languages

3. Object-oriented programming languages

4. Scripting languages

5. Logic programming languages

You can learn more about the different types of programming languages in the article 5 Types of Programming Language.

What is object-oriented programming?

Object-oriented programming is not a language in its own right, but rather a type of programming language that centers around “objects,” or data sets entered into fields. When the term was coined in the 1950s and 60s, it represented a breakthrough in coding technology that allowed programmers to create more complex abstractions.

How to get started in computer programming 

To begin a career in computer programming, you can identify your goals, gain the required education, build your skills, and start building a portfolio. Follow these steps to embark on a journey in the growing field of programming. 

1. Identify your programming goals. 

An important first step is to reflect on your goals and motivations. With clarity on what you want to achieve and why, you can align your actions with the outcomes you desire. Below are some examples of programming goals:  

• Launch a new programming career in a specific industry. 

• Explore programming in your current role, and take on new projects that combine programming with what you already do.

• Pursue programming as a hobby, and complete projects that match your interests.  

2. Enroll in an introductory programming course.

Once you know your goals, it’s a good idea to find a course on programming to introduce you to popular programming languages and different avenues for applying programming skills. You can also use an introductory course to refine your goals and focus your efforts. 

Watch this video to practice coding in an easy-to-learn programming language, Scratch.  

3. Build essential programming skills.

As you’re taking courses, you may want to ensure you’re developing essential programming skills, particularly if your goals are to pursue a new career or enhance your current one. While a course you’re enrolled in may provide an overview of important programming skills and then structure the learning experience accordingly, you may find it helpful to find out what employers are looking for. 

According to ZipRecruiter’s Career Keyword Mapper, the top workplace and technical skills employers ask for in programmer job descriptions include [2]:

• Collaboration: 13.74 percent

• Innovation: 11.97 percent

• Communication: 10.25 percent

• Documentation: 8.88 percent

• SQL: 8.39 percent

• Database: 8.02 percent

• Computer science: 7.45 percent

• Analysis: 7.21 percent

• Auto-delivery: 6.96 percent

4. Connect with other programmers. 

When you build a network and connect with other programmers, you can gain exposure to programming trends, opportunities, and solutions to common challenges. Ways to connect with other programmers include: 

• Attending tech conferences and networking events 

• Signing up for a coding boot camp

• Subscribing to programming influencers and thought leaders

• Joining an online community, such as CodeNewbie or Kaggle

Stay connected with computer programming trends.

Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter, Career Chat. It's a way to stay current with industry trends and skills you can use to guide your career path.

5. Complete computer programming projects. 

Completing projects is a great way to apply your skills and discover your programming potential. Find tutorials online to complete beginner projects such as: 

• Creating a mobile app 

• Creating a calculator app

• Building a simple game

• Building a basic website 

6. Explore your future in programming.

The more you learn about programming, build skills, and complete projects, the closer you can get to achieving your goals. On a routine basis, reflect on the kind of future you’d like to have in programming and explore the possibilities, including job listings in programming, freelancing as a programmer, building apps for friends and family, and advancing your education. 

Learn programming on Coursera

Programming is a skill that can help you create new projects or start a new career. 

Taking online courses can be a great way to build programming skills and explore what’s possible for you. Master programming basics for free by enrolling in the University of Toronto's online course, Learn to Program: The Fundamentals. You can learn the foundations of computer programming and Python so you can start your career or hobby with confidence.