Re: Where does programming begin?

I think as always in life it's not a black-and-white-issue. There are
for example graphical programming tools too (I think the LEGO Mindstorms
robots come with some) where you don't even need to write any code (Or
think at macro recording in office packages). I also heard people
telling me they programmed something in HTML (not Javascript) which
seems funny since it's only a markup language. Also note that for
example one 'programs' a VCR which simply means to set its timer.

Wikipedia has the following to offer (From the 'Programming' entry):

Computer programming (often shortened to programming or coding)
is the process of writing, testing, and maintaining the source
code of computer programs. The source code is written in a
programming language.

When one looks at it from a more theoretical point of view it's easier
IMO: Given a Turing machine it's clear what 'programming' should mean:
Supplying the program. If I try to adapt this by replacing the Turing
machine with just any machine that supports 'enough features' I arrive at

Programming is the act of creating a set of commands that can
then be interpreted independently by a machine.

This is probably way too far for your taste, as it includes stuff like
writing HTML (which would in that sense program the computer to produce
a certain graphical layout via the browser). It also includes
programming your VCR, your radio, your alarm clock, etc. But IMHO this
is what the word itself means.

Also note that my definition does not include that the machine has to be
real (Turing machines are fine) and the program doesn't actually have to
exist anywhere physically -- you could program in your mind without
actually writing it down.

Things my definition does not include is creating the whole machine,
especially if the machine does not interpret programs (e.g. constructing
a finite state automata, because here the machine and the program cannot
be seperated easily).

But -- as pretty much all definitions of human behaviour and actions --
this is probably a matter of personal taste.


Regards,
Florian
.

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