View source for Program (machine)

A '''program''' is a list of [[instructions]] written in a [[programming language]] that is used to control the behavior of a [[machine]].

== Description ==

[[Computer programs]] control the behavior of [[computers]].

Examples of programs include:

*The sequence of cards used by a Jacquard loom to produce a given pattern within weaved cloth. Invented in 1801, it used holes in punched cards to represent sewing loom arm movements in order to generate decorative patterns automatically.

* A file containing a list of instructions to be executed by a computer.

* Barrels, punched cards and music rolls encoding music to be played by player pianos, fairground organs, barrel organs and music boxes.

== Execution ==

The [[execution]] of a program is a series of actions following the instructions it contains.

Each [[instruction]] produces effects that alter the state of the machine according to its predefined meaning.

== See also ==

* [[Algorithm]]
* [[Computer]]
* [[Computer program]]
* [[Execution]]
* [[Instruction]] 
* [[Programming language]]
* [[Machine]]
* [[Software]]

== External Links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Program_(machine) Program (machine)] @ Wikipedia



[[Category:Computer programming]]
[[Category:Computing]]
[[Category:Logic]]
[[Category:Machines]]