Learning Computer Programming Terminology

Computer programmers use a range of terminologies that make sense only to them and their colleagues. For people who are not adept with computers and programming, these words either mean something else or nothing at all. Here is an overview of the ten most commonly used and confused computer programming terminologies that everyone should know, explained in layman's terms:

1. 1GL

1GL means First Generation Programming Language. It is a machine-level programming language written in ones and zeros. These programs can be understood by the computer's central processing unit directly, without the need to run them through a compiler or any other programming software. There are also second, third, and up to fourth-generation computer programming languages.

2. Abandonware

Abandonware is software that is no longer being used, supported, or sold by its respective publisher. Such software cannot be resold or redistributed to end-users unless given away as freeware.

3. ActiveX

ActiveX are programs that use the Visual Basic programming language. They are created for the active content of software commonly used by other applications already installed or existing on the computer. Sometimes, they even share those used by the operating system itself. ActiveX is responsible for the interactive features of web-based programs.

4. Beta Version

When software, a website, or any application is tagged as a beta release or beta version, it means that version is its first-ever launch. It is the program that incorporates the very basic features and requirements of the software. At that point, the software has not yet been tested for bugs. The beta version of the software is usually its test run.

5. DirectX

DirectX is a program provided by Microsoft. It is a collection of different multimedia applications and programming interfaces built into the Windows operating system. DirectX is mostly used in gaming applications.

6. Emulation

Emulation is the term given to the capacity of a certain program to imitate another device or program. There are different degrees of emulation. Emulators are usually created for arcade game devices so they can be played on a desktop computer.

7. Firmware

Firmware refers to the software implanted in a device or hardware. The firmware usually contains a set of protocols that the hardware has to run so it can work smoothly with the other devices it is attached to.

8. HTML

HTML is a hypertext markup language. It is the language used by web pages to describe different parts of the text created. It can denote text used as paragraphs, text, headings, and lists.

9. Java

Java is an object-oriented programming language. Sun Microsystems developed the software, and it can be said that it resembles the C++ program. However, it was structured to avoid the flaws of the latter. Java is widely used on the World Wide Web as well.

10. Linux

Linux is an example of operating software like Windows and Mac OS. But unlike these two, Linux is a free open-source program. Anyone can use the software for redistribution and modification.

These are just some of the computer programming terminologies you should know so that the next time you come across them, you won't be guessing what they mean. Programming can be a complex task, but if you learn the basics, such as terminologies, you will surely find the subject interesting.