---
title: "Computer program and programming"
subject: "Computer Programming"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_1/computer_programming:define-program-programming"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/define-program-programming
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Computer program and programming

Computer Programming · Chapter 2: Problem solving using Computer

- Asked in: 2074 Asoj, 2 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/define-program-programming
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_1/computer_programming/chapter-2

## Question

What are computer programs and computer programming?

## Short answer

A computer program is a set of instructions in a programming language that performs a specific task. Computer programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining such programs, starting from problem analysis to coding and debugging.

## Answer

A **computer program** is a set of instructions, written in a programming language in a logical order, that makes the computer perform a specific task.

**Computer programming** is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging and maintaining programs. It includes analysing the problem, designing an algorithm, coding it in a language such as C, and testing it until it produces correct results.

Example: a C program that reads two numbers and prints their sum is a program; the activity of developing it is programming.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A computer program is
   A. the process of developing software
   B. a hardware part
   C. a set of instructions in a logical order for a specific task
   D. a type of error
   Answer: C. That is the definition. (Key point: Program)

2. Programming is
   A. only typing code
   B. only running programs
   C. only buying software
   D. designing, writing, testing, debugging and maintaining programs
   Answer: D. It includes the full process. (Key point: Programming)

3. A C program adding two numbers is a ___, and developing it is ___.
   A. program; programming
   B. programming; program
   C. algorithm; compiler
   D. data; software
   Answer: A. The text itself and the activity. (Key point: Example)

## Related in Computer Programming

- [Steps to develop a computer program](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Asteps-develop-program) — Computer Programming, chapter 2, asked 6×
- [Pattern: shrinking "Programming"](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Apattern-programming-shrinking) — Computer Programming, chapter 4
- [Structure of a FORTRAN program](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Afortran-structure) — Computer Programming, chapter 11, asked 5×
- [Features of a good program](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Afeatures-good-program) — Computer Programming, chapter 1
- [Correct program: case array and average](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Acorrect-program-case-array) — Computer Programming, chapter 3
- [Correct program: do-while and pow](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Acorrect-program-sum-root) — Computer Programming, chapter 3

## Related in other subjects

- [Making programs more readable](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Areadable-programs) — Instrumentation II, chapter 9
- [Malicious programs, taxonomy, virus stages](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Amalicious-program-taxonomy-virus) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 5
- [Short note: Socket programming](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Asocket-programming-note) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Simple program illustrating OOP concept](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fobject_oriented_programming%3Aoop-simple-program) — Object Oriented Programming, chapter 1