What is programming?
In computer terms, programming may be defined as the development of a series of instructions which are carried out in certain order to solve a problem or fulfill an action.
There are three main types of programming methods used. They are procedure-driven, event-driven and data-driven programming. Procedure-driven programming focuses on 'what' the programme does, i.e. its processes or functions. Event-driven programming is based on an event or interaction which can cause a programme to change from one known state to another. Data-driven programming works on the idea that the data in a programme is more stable than the processes involved. Analysis of data and the relationships between data are carried out to determine the fundamental data structures. Once defined, the required data outputs are examined in order to establish the processes required to convert the input data to the required output.
It is possible to write any computer programme by applying three basic control structures which are sequence, selection and repetition. Sequence is a list of steps to be carried out in the order in which they appear. Selection presents a condition and a choice between two actions, the choice being dependent on whether the condition is true or false. Repetition is a set of instructions to be performed repeatedly as long as a condition is true. The repetition code is a block of statements that are executed again and again until a terminating condition occurs.
Why is programming useful in developing web pages?
For any web developer, creating web pages using only HTML and CSS limits the user to view the content only and to be able to navigate from one page to another.
Incorporating aspects of computer programming into a website allows interactive use. Some examples of web programming include form development and validation of fields, accessing up-to-date information, purchasing products and making online bookings.
Getting used to jargon
There are many terms associated with computer programming. Many have common-type names yet have a very different meaning to what you would find in a standard dictionary. Familiarising yourself with some of these computer terms helps in understanding their role in programming development.
Let's begin with some basic programming principles.