Chapter 2

The Programming Thing

IN THIS CHAPTER

check Understanding programming history

check Reviewing the programming processes

check Creating source code

check Building a program

check Testing the final program

It’s called programming, though the cool kids know it as coding — the process whereby a human being writes information resembling cryptic English that is then somehow translated into directions for an electronic gizmo. In the end, this silent and solitary art grants individuals the power to control electronics. It’s a big deal. It’s the programming thing.

The History of Programming

Few books written about programming get away with not describing the thrill-a-minute drama of programming history. As a programmer myself, it’s difficult not to write about it, let alone contain my enthusiasm at cocktail parties. So consider this section optional reading, though a review of where programming has been and where it is today may help you better understand the art form.

In a nutshell, programming is the process ...

Get C Programming For Dummies, 2nd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.