Terminology Of Computer Programming

Learning The Terminology Of Computer Programming



When you start looking into computer programming, you may be confused by the different language used by the professionals in this field. Even though the terminology doesn't mean anything to you, they are used in the profession to convey a specific meaning. Here is a look at ten terms which are used by computer programming professionals:


1. Beta Version

When a software, a website, or any application is tagged as a beta release or beta version, it means that that version is its first ever launch. It is the program that incorporates the very basic features and requirements of the software. At that point, the software is not yet tested for bugs. The beta version of the software is normally its test run.


2. DirectX

DirectX is a program provided by Microsoft. It is a collection of different multimedia applications and programming interfaces. It is built into the Windows operating system. DirectX is mostly used in gaming applications.


3. 1GL

1GL means First Generation Programming Language. It is actually a machine level programming language that is written in one's and zero's. These are the programs that can be understood by the computer's central processing unit directly. There's no need to run it into a compiler or any other programming software. There are also second, third, up to fourth generation computer programming language.



4. Abandon ware

Abandon ware are software that are not being used, supported, or sold by its respective publisher any longer. These types of software cannot be resold or redistributed to end-users unless otherwise given away as a freeware.


5. ActiveX

ActiveX are programs using the Visual Basic programming language. It is basically created for active contents of the software that are commonly used by other applications that are already installed or existing on the computer. Sometimes, it even shares the ones used by the operating system itself. ActiveX is the one responsible for the interactive features of web-based programs.


6. Emulation

Emulation is the term given to the capacity of a certain program to imitate another device or program. There are different degrees of emulation. Emulators are usually created for arcade game devices so it can be played on a desktop computer.


7. Firmware

Firmware refers to the software that is implanted in a device or hardware. The firmware usually contains a set of protocols that the hardware has to run so it would work smoothly with the other devices that it is attached to.


8. HTML

HTML is hypertext markup language. It is the language used by web pages. It is a programming language that has a way to describe the different parts of the text created. It can denote text used as paragraphs, text, headings, and lists.


9. Java

Java is an object oriented programming language. Sun Microsystems developed the software and it can be said that it resembles the C++ program. However, it was structured to avoid the flaws of the latter. This is widely used in the world wide web as well.


10. Linux

Linux is an example of operating software in the likes of Windows and Mac Os. But unlike these two, Linux is a free open source program. Anybody can use the software for redistribution and modification.



This is just a small sampling of the 'lingo' used by computer programmers. But now you have a basic understanding of what these terms mean.




To learn more about computer programming, and whether a career in computer programming is for you, check out: Secrets Of Changing To A Computer Career.