Computer program

A computer program, or just a program, is a sequence of instructions, written to perform a specified task on a computer.

A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor.

The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute the instructions.

The same program in its human-readable source code form, from which executable programs are derived (e.g., compiled), enables a programmer to study and develop its algorithms. A collection of computer programs and related data is referred to as the software.

Computer source code is typically written by computer programmers.

Source code is written in a programming language that usually follows one of two main paradigms: imperative or declarative programming.

Source code may be converted into an executable file (sometimes called an executable program or a binary) by a compiler and later executed by a central processing unit. Alternatively, computer programs may be executed with the aid of an interpreter, or may be embedded directly into hardware.

Computer programs may be ranked along functional lines: system software and application software.

Two or more computer programs may run simultaneously on one computer from the perspective of the user, this process being known as multitasking.

A computer program can be deemed an industrial or commercial product when that is useful for the concerns of a business model, which involves such aspects as labor, markets, profitability, and quality-control. This is how most proprietary software is classified, though open-source software can also be regarded as a product if a commercial entity specializes in it; e.g. Red Hat, Inc. or SUSE, as both which develop and maintain open-source software products.

External Links

• Computer program @ Wikipedia