When the first computers were developed, there were very few tools available to control them. At that time, algorithms were developed to perform certain tasks, but they could not be automated as such.
That's when the need arose to combine several algorithms to create more complex tools that allowed control of more powerful functions of the computers of that era. These are known as computer programsand its emergence helped shape the way we use computers today.
Its emergence accelerated the growth of computer technologies, and made it necessary to create more powerful equipment that could in turn run faster and more efficient programs. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about them.
What is a computer program and what are these digital tools used for?
A computer program is nothing more than a sequence of instructions written in an imperative or declarative language, which It has the ability to control and manage the resources of a computer or smart device.
Programs are an essential software element for the operation of a computer, as they are what, in addition to enabling various functions, It is also a direct link so that the user can use the equipment with complete freedom.
Computer programs are written in matrix code or source code, which is a sequence of instructions written in what is known as "programming language"which are nothing more than imperative or declarative expressions that indicate each action that the computer can perform with them.
The source code of a program is created by computer programmers, who are professionals with years of study and experience writing all kinds of software and who have a perfect command of the specific languages programmatic requirements for the creation of one.
What types of computer programs exist and what are the characteristics of each one?
Computer programming is a very complex world, but its classification is much simpler than you might think. To date, two types of computer programs are known: which are classified according to their nature.
System program
These are the most basic programs, as they create the perfect ecosystem for the user to use all the computer's functions, as well as allowing certain applications to be run. These are also known as operating systems..
Application program
These are the standard programs we interact with on our computer; they allow direct control over the system's resources. From our web browser, going through the text editor until we reach our favorite video gameAll programs executed within an operating system fall under the classification of application software.
What are the most important elements that make up a software?
Computer software consists of very complex files, so there are several important elements involved in its operation.
Below we present what they are:
Programming language
Before even defining how a program works, Choosing the right programming language is importantThis is because that decision will largely define how complex and powerful our program can become.
This is because programming languages have varying levels of complexity and, above all, their own fundamental principles, each possessing specific characteristics that make it more or less powerful than others. For example, HTML5 is a very popular language. This is the most commonly used tool for developing websites, but it's not as suitable for creating more complex programs.Therefore, it is generally used in this type of project as a complement to more powerful languages.
Source code
The source code is a file that contains all the code that gives structure to the program, since it contains line by line all the commands that the computer must execute to function perfectly. This in turn is written in some programming language that the developer has chosen.
Executable file
The executable file is a binary file, directly connected to the parent code, which is used by the user and the computer to start any computer program. In this sense there are two types of them; portable and non-portable.
Portable executables are those that can be run on various platforms without limitations, such as Java programs. Non-portable executables, on the other hand, are those that can only be run on a specific platform.
Compiler
A compiler is a program used to translate the instructions of a program written in one programming language into another language. This second language is generally machine language or bytecode..
As you may know, computers only understand one language, which is binary code. Programming languages do not fall into this category, and are generally useful for helping us humans to program.However, afterwards you need an element that translates these instructions into binary code, and that is precisely the function of the compiler.
Object file
Object files are the result of the creation of an executable by a compiler. It contains all the lines of code for each of the functions that a software can perform.These are consulted by the team when the user indicates to perform any of these specific functions.
What is the software life cycle and how does it work?
The software development life cycle (SDLC) is the process that includes all the phases a program goes through from its initial concept to its eventual release to the market. Generally, A series of steps must be followed for the program's development to be successful..
The life cycle of a computer program is not a recipe for how to make one, but rather a guide to the most important aspects to consider when designing and developing it. However, there is no single way to do it, and there are various schools of thought or paradigms for it..
In that sense, the most important models are:
- Agile modelAgile software development is a method that minimizes processes as much as possible and does not follow an orderly line to carry them out, but rather fulfills them according to the needs of the program as it is developed.
- Waterfall: This was the first, most common, and most widely used model. It establishes an ordered roadmap for all the processes involved in developing the program, which must be completed in perfect order; it is impossible to begin one without having started the previous one.
- Spiral: This model is very similar to the previous one, with the difference that it organizes the phases into work cycles with well-defined goals. When one cycle ends, another automatically begins, creating a well-ordered work sequence with little room for error.
- Object-orientedIt is a much more modular model that allows all phases of program development to be divided into a series of "mini-projects", which make it easier to achieve objectives and reduce the margins of error.
- Code no fixThis model is more extreme than the others and doesn't really follow a specific order. In this model, code is written immediately once the software's intent is established, followed by a testing phase where any errors are corrected as they arise.
- Prototypes: Finally, there is this model which is based on the development of prototypes which will be improved and enhanced until a final and clean version of the program to be created is achieved.
If you want to learn more about the software life cycle, you can check out the article we've written on the subject.
List of the most important and widely used computer programs of the last decade
Now that you know everything you need to know about computer programs, It's time to refresh our memories by talking about the most important ones that have been developed in recent decades:
Windows
Windows is a system software or operating system developed by Microsoft. Since its release in the late 20th century, It has been updated until it achieved a very solid version in its current Windows 10However, throughout its history, other versions that were very successful in their time can be identified, such as Windows XP or Windows 7.
Photoshop
This is an application software used for editing bitmap images. While we specifically named it, it should be noted that its developers, Adobe, They have the most representative and powerful programs in this sectorPrograms like Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects are true pillars of the audiovisual industry today.
Microsoft Office Word
Another gem from Microsoft that would completely change the way we viewed computers in the past. Word is a word processor that allows you to create all kinds of documents in digital format. The Office suite to which this belongs also includes other well-known office programs such as Excel.PowerPoint, among others.
Lonely
Solitaire is one of the most legendary computer games ever. It was included in versions of Windows in the 90s, and has always been a user favorite. We know there are a million better games than this one, but in terms of historical importance..., none like the Solitaire, so we have decided to put it as a tribute.
Internet Explorer
One of the most important internet browsers in history. Although it suffered catastrophic bullying during the last decade, no one can take away its achievements, as at the time it was the fastest of all, especially in versions like Windows XP. It is currently behind Chrome or Mozilla, but historically it will always be ahead of them.
