What is a computer program? Types of computer programs

What is a computer program? With the development of technology, their number is also growing. They are endowed with different functions and purposes. It is impossible for an amateur in the field of computer technology to assess the role of any program taking into account all their diversity. You can not also make a choice in favor of the best of them, because they have different orientations, perform not the same tasks.

Proceeding from the above, science and practice rarely consider one particular software product. Most often, classifications and classification into categories by type or purpose are of interest.

Definition

What is a computer program? Its definition consists in the collection of several instructions presented in a digital, code, schematic or verbal form. All these elements are expressed in a form suitable for reading by computer technology. They bring the computer into action to achieve a specific result.

Each software product has two main properties.

1. It is a set of steps that a computer must do.
2. Each separate instruction controls a piece of data or information.

Simply put, a computer program is a collection of tasks that are performed sequentially, in order by computer technology. In the end, the user gets the result he needs.

Teaching

Teaching or training computer programs are a tool designed to solve pedagogical problems. Their main feature is the independent interaction with the user. The main purpose of such products is focused on use in the learning process.

Training computer programs are based on the following tasks:

• Basic acquaintance with the subject;
• Conceptual preparation for work;
• Development of skills for solving standard and non-standard equations in the relevant field;
• Development of skills to engage in certain activities;
• Conducting experiments for educational and research purposes;

In rare cases, educational software products are used to restore knowledge, fill gaps in them, or acquire new skills that were impossible to master earlier (for example, due to a stop in the development of technology).

Despite the fact that these functions are of a single and integral nature, depending on how they will be solved, their influence on each other is effected. Accordingly, the study of the subject becomes more productive when solving successive problems, rather than individual examples.

System

All software is divided on different grounds. The main one is the appointment. In accordance with them, and a classification is made. One of the most important subgroups are system computer programs. If they are not installed, then interaction with other elements is difficult, and even completely impossible.

What is a system software program ? It is a complex of products on which the work of computer technology depends. Without them, no computer can do, because they manage the internal components. The interaction of the user with the computer without them will be impossible.

The basis of the activity of system programs is the provision of work with applied products. These include utilities, drivers, operating systems and shells.

Instrumental

The user's computer program programs are those that are designed to develop or adjust other products. These include the following.

1. Translators. They translate programming languages.
2. Editors of the texts of programs. They interpret the interface in a user-friendly language from codes and symbols.
3. Supporting programs.
4. Libraries. They contain various blanks that help in the work of programmers.

Tool products are not so many. But almost all of them are written by means of various programming languages.

Applied

Speaking of what is a computer program of an applied type, one can not but note the wide popularity of these products. If you work with the above can only be specialists or self-taught, then these are oriented to ordinary inhabitants.

Application programs provide the solution of problems in specific areas, and also are intended for performance of user works. It can be editing images, texts, various operations with photos and so on.

This type includes the following programs:

• Professional, intended for the automation of a particular job;
• General-purpose programs that allow you to perform a large number of functions required for the average user;
• Method-oriented, solving statistical problems;
• Problem-oriented, performing operations for planning and management.

To this category are computer viruses. Below they will be considered in more detail.

Specials

There are special computer programs that are developed for one or more purposes. The production of such products is ordered by enterprises in order to automate various processes, such as work on the machine or personnel management, distribution of duties.

Small special programs are ordered by taxi services, dispatching companies and so on. They perform one specific function and overlap with other applications (navigators, cards).

There are popular special programs, like 1C. These are used in all developed countries, only the language of translation, the interface and some initial data change. The latter usually depend on legislation and GOSTs.

Computer viruses

What is a computer virus and Trojan? They are small malicious products that fall into the computer software in different ways. However, each has its own goal. Some are pretty harmless, and if the user does not work with system or tool programs, they will not give him any trouble. They will sit quietly in their folder until the antivirus detects them.

But there are also more harmful products that are able to copy and transfer to the author personal data of users, their credit card numbers, purses of electronic payment systems. These are Trojan programs. They mimic an application to collect and forward information, remove it, or transfer control of computing equipment to a third party.

The fight against malicious products is carried out through special anti-virus programs. Also there are ways to prevent their occurrence on the computer. For example, you can enable real-time system protection. Then the incoming information flow is filtered.

Result

In summary, all existing software can be briefly considered in the table.

It is impossible to say unequivocally what the totality of all computer programs is. It organizes the work of any computer technology, ensures its interaction with users, regardless of special skills. But it is impossible to give it a concrete definition.

Conclusion

So the classification of software is constructed, which allows to determine the place of the program, to distinguish it from the background of the variety. Also, if there is relevant information, the user is able to determine what specific product is required for him to perform a particular function or task solution.

To answer the question, what is a computer program, it is necessary to consider too many components of these products. These include codes, used tools or instructions.

The classification of computer programs mentioned here is not the only one. It can vary depending on how the primary attribute is selected (here - purpose).