Programming Languages End

 

The Backbone of IT

      Programming Languages are the backbone of Information Technology Fundamentals. We couldn’t even utilize programs on a computer without a Programming Language put into place to ensure the program on the computer understands what the user needs to be done and makes the program easily accessible for the end user. When it comes to the fundamentals of Information Technology, computers use ones and zeroes to communicate whereas we as people don’t. Programming Languages make it to where if we can utilize it, we are able to communicate with computers and vice versa with ease and we are able to accomplish things that are necessary for today’s digital age of computing.

History of Programming Languages

Programming Languages not only relates to the concepts of Information Technology and computer science, but it also is one of a multitude of reasons why computers operate the way they do and is the reason why computers are used by so many people.

According to Vahid & Lasecky (2019), while working as a computer programmer, Grace Hopper suggested creating a programming language that used English words instead of assembly language or machine code, to make programming more accessible, so to facilitate a higher-level programming language, Hopper invented the first programming language compiler, which converted mathematical notation using English words to machine code. (Computing Technology for All, Section 1.2, para. 11). Because of this, the code outputted by the machine inside of the computer turns itself to readable English language which changed forever how computers operated. Instead of computer scientists and workers in the Information Technology field being the only ones to be able to use this technology, it made it possible to allow all types of people to be able to use it.

The Modern Computer System

Hardware is the physical parts that make a computer operational, while software instructs the computer on what to do, hardware is essentially tied to software to house it to make those events happen. According to Vahid & Lasecky (2019), A CPU is hardware that runs program instructions and controls other hardware which is commonly referred to as the computer’s brain. Short for Central Processing Unit, it has two functions, performing arithmetic and logic operations and a control unit that tells the components of the computer how to respond to computer instructions (Computing Technology for All, Section 2.1, para. 1). The CPU plays an integral role in reference to programming language as we need the CPU to tell the computer how to carry out our needs. Whether this is ensuring that the computer remembers our passwords when we log in, allowing us to utilize the keys on the key board to type out words in a Word document, or even allowing images to populate when we navigate to them on a certain site, without the CPU it would not be possible but without the Programming Language developing that set instruction, it also couldn’t happen either.

Application Software

Application software is used to make certain functions such as typing up a Word document, developing a PowerPoint presentation, or even developing an Excel spreadsheet seamless for every user. However, these applications wouldn’t be possible to use without utilizing a Programming Language to make the application work for the user. For example, if I want to create a memorandum for my first line supervisor, the obvious choice is to use Word as my chosen application software since it has multiple templates, formatting tools, and is overall a text editor. Without a programming language informing the application of what to do and how to do it, the application would be useless, and the memorandum would have to be created by hand with all types of letterheads needing to be developed which could take even longer to develop by hand. Programming Languages not only promote efficiency, but accuracy as well and help to save time for the most pertinent of tasks as well.

Database Management

Utilizing a programming language for a specific database or database management software is key to keep all of your information in one place. A database in layman’s terms is an organized collection of data where you retrieve relevant information for a specific purpose. Database management is a system that manages that database more efficiently than a person can. Programming Languages ensure that the organization of data that we have as an individual or as a company is efficient enough for us to use effectively at the right time. While using a database is something that people have done in the past with files and file cabinets, utilizing a digital and centralized version is much more efficient and simpler.

Network Architecture, Management, and Security

When it comes to Network Architecture, Programming Languages make it much easier for an individual or a group of many to develop the design of a computer’s network. It can even help shape how multiple devices are connected to it and how it will work as a whole. Because of this, the management of this network is easier to understand and secure, such as when it is time to develop and administer a patch for the computer network and so on. Not only do programming languages help to make these functions work, but they do it seamlessly and allow you to customize how you want it to be done. Overall, Programming Languages help make all these things happen.

 

References

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks.

Nerlove, M. (2004) Programming languages: A short history for economists. Journal of Economic & Social Measurement, 2004, v. 29, iss. 1-3 ‪Programming languages: A short history for economists.‎ - ‪Record details‎ - ‪EBSCOhost Research Databases‎

Priestley, M. (2004) AI and the Origins of the Functional Programming Language Style. Minds & Machines. Sep2017, Vol. 27 Issue 3, p449-472. 24p ‪AI and the Origins of the Functional Programming Language Style.‎ - ‪Record details‎ - ‪EBSCOhost Research Databases‎