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In this current digital era, I’m sure you must have heard about the two words: PROGRAMMING and CODING. It is a common notion that coders and programmers are the same things. Every field of work has its vocabulary These are specifically true for the professional vocabulary of the software development industry which continues to grow and evolve.
Firstly,
let’s define coding and programming.
What is
coding?
Coding is the act of translating codes from human language to machine-based language. It can also be called a subset of programming since it is the foundation of programming. To become a coder, you need to be able to write code in different programming languages such as Python, Java, C, and so on. With this knowledge, you will be able to provide instructions and information to the computer to make it execute the programs you or your team creates.
What
is programming?
Programming
is the process of developing an executable software program that is implemented
without any errors. It is the programmer’s job to analyze a problem in the code
and provide solutions.
A programmer creates complex programs, reads, and executes them by the machine providing a complete set of instructions for computers to perform. It takes years to become a professional programmer. If you can build a program and ensure that it doesn’t have errors, you can consider yourself that you have leveled up in your career as a successful programmer.
Difference between coding and programming?
1. By definition: Coding means the translation of
natural language into machine commands through an intermediary coding language,
while Programming means the process of development of a fully functioning
software solution
2. By
tool: For coding, a text editor is needed, while programming requires analysis
tools, modeling programs, code generators, and testing frameworks.
3. By
Expertise: A coder requires a basic knowledge of a programming language, its
syntax, and keywords, while A programmer should be a skilled individual with
substantial experience in creating algorithms, modeling a problem, data
processing, and project management
4. By
Approach: Coding follows a trial-and-error approach and needs no previous
preparations, while Programming follows a methodical approach and needs
attention to detail
5. By
Outcome: Coding results in a simple solution or a small part of a project,
while Programming results in a full ready-to-use application.
How Coding and Programming Work Together
Imagine we are creating an app to make deliveries easier
First, the programmer will have to:
- Plan the structure of the app,
- Write down features of the app
- Design the app, and think of any other features that should be included in the app.
After the programmer is done with these first steps, they hand it over to the coder.
Now the coder will come in and transform those ideas into code that the computer can understand. After this magical process is done, the completed code is given back to the programmer.
Now the programmer will go through the code do some polishing
by debugging, checking for errors, and doing tests before publishing the final
product.
Now you can see how these two fields have come together to work on an idea and produce something usable to the public.
Although often used interchangeably in the tech industry, coding and programming are two different aspects of tech and software development.