What is a computer program? With the development of technology, their number is growing. They are endowed with different functionality and purpose. It is impossible for an amateur in the field of computer technology to evaluate the role of any program, taking into account all their diversity. It is also impossible to make a choice in favor of the best of them, since they have different orientations, perform not the same tasks.
Based on the foregoing, science and practice rarely consider one specific software product. Most often, classifications and categorization by type or purpose are of interest.
Definition
What is a computer program? Its definition is a set of several instructions presented in digital, code, schematic or verbal form. All these elements are expressed in a form suitable for reading by computer technology. They power the computer to achieve a specific result.
Each software product has two main properties.
- It is a set of steps that a computer must take.
- Each individual instruction controls a piece of data or information.
Simply put, a computer program is a collection of tasks that are performed sequentially, in order by computer technology. Ultimately, the user gets the desired result.
Educational
Educational or training computer programs are tools designed to solve pedagogical problems. Their main feature is independent interaction with the user. The main purpose of such products is focused on use in the educational process.
Educational computer programs are based on the following tasks:
- basic acquaintance with the subject;
- conceptual preparation for work;
- development of skills for solving standard and non-standard equations in the corresponding field;
- development of skills to engage in certain activities;
- conducting experiments for educational and research purposes;
In rare cases, training software products are used to restore knowledge, fill in the gaps in it or acquire new skills, the development of which was previously impossible (for example, due to a stopper in the development of technologies).
Despite the fact that these functions are of a single and integral character, depending on how they are solved, they influence each other. Accordingly, the study of the subject will become more productive in solving sequential problems, rather than individual examples.
System
All software is divided according to various criteria. The main one is the purpose. In accordance with them, a classification is made. One of the most important subgroups is system computer programs. If they are not installed, then interaction with other elements is difficult, if not impossible.
What is a system
program computer
program ? It is a complex of products on which the work of computer technology depends. Not a single computer can do without such computers, since they manage internal components. User interaction with computer technology without them will be impossible.
The basis of the activities of system programs is the provision of work with application products. These include utilities, drivers, operating systems, and shells.
Instrumental
User computer tools are those that are designed to develop or adjust other products. These include the following.
- Translators. They transform programming languages.
- Editors of texts of programs. They interpret the interface in a user-friendly language of codes and symbols.
- Supporting programs.
- Libraries They contain various blanks that help programmers work.
There are not many instrumental products. But almost all of them are written through various programming languages.
Applied
Speaking about what a computer program is of an applied type, one cannot but note the wide popularity of these products. If only specialists or self-taught can work with the above, then these are oriented to ordinary inhabitants.
Application programs provide solutions to problems in specific areas, and are also intended to perform user work. This can be editing images, texts, various operations with photographs and so on.
The following programs belong to this type:
- professional, designed to automate a particular work;
- general purpose programs that allow you to perform a large number of functions necessary for the average user;
- method-oriented, solving statistical problems;
- problem-oriented, performing planning and management operations.
The same category includes computer viruses. Below they will be considered in more detail.
Special
There are special computer programs that are developed for one or more purposes. The production of such products is ordered by enterprises in order to automate various processes, such as work on the machine or personnel management, distribution of responsibilities.
Small special programs are ordered by taxi services, dispatch companies and so on. They perform one specific function and are superimposed on other applications (navigators, maps).
There are popular special programs, like 1C. These are used in all developed countries, only the translation language, interface, and some source data are changing. The latter usually depend on legislation and state standards.
Computer viruses
What is a computer virus and trojan? They are small malicious products that enter computer software in different ways. However, each has its own goal. Some are quite harmless, and if the user does not work with system or tool programs, then they will not cause him trouble. They will sit quietly in their folder until the antivirus detects them.
But there are more harmful products that can copy and transfer to the author personal user data, their credit card numbers, wallets of electronic payment systems. These are trojans. They simulate an application to collect and forward information, delete it, or transfer control of computer technology to a third party.
The fight against malicious products is carried out through special anti-virus programs. There are also ways to prevent them from occurring on the computer. For example, you can enable real-time system protection. Then the filtering of the incoming flow of information.
Result
To summarize, all existing software can be briefly reviewed in the table.
Types of computer programs | Characteristic | Examples |
Educational | Perform pedagogical tasks. The user works with them completely independently | All emulators like MyBIOS |
System | They manage the components of computer technology, as well as ensure the adjustment of its work with applications that are most often used by users. They are directly involved in ensuring the interaction between man and computer. | All generations of Windows, Total Commander, each antivirus program, WinZip and WinRar |
Instrumental | Intended for the creation, editing and development of system and application products. In most cases, they are blanks, the so-called "software semi-finished products" | FoxPro, Assembler, Visual Basic |
Applied | The most common type of software. Engaged in the implementation or automation of certain tasks, functions. Most often they are interested in users who have nothing to do with programming, but who can facilitate their activities through a computer | Adobe Photoshop, the entire Microsoft Office suite, codecs, virus and trojan programs |
Special | Designed to perform various tasks. Their work depends on the specifics of the customer | 1: , 1: Salary, 1: Accounting |
It is impossible to say unequivocally what is the totality of all computer programs. It organizes the work of any computer technology, provides its interaction with users, regardless of special skills. But to give her a specific definition is impossible.
Conclusion
This is how the software classification is built, which allows to determine the place of the program, to distinguish it against the background of diversity. Also, if the relevant information is available, the user will be able to determine which particular product is required for him to perform a particular function or task.
To answer the question of what a computer program is, you need to consider too many components of these products. These include codes, tools used, or instructions.
The classification of computer programs indicated here is not the only one. It can vary depending on how the primary sign will be selected (here - purpose).