What Is Coding And What Is It Used For?

If you are one of those people who find the idea of making machines follow their instructions fascinating, this article might help you to explore the entire science behind it.

The devices that you use, from computers and smartphones to smart TVs and virtual assistants, all work in a certain manner. But how do these devices know what tasks to perform and how to perform them?

They are told what to do with the help of coding. But what is coding? It is the entire science behind software development.

In this article, we will answer the following questions in as comprehensive a way as possible:

• What does coding mean, and what can coding be used for?
• How does it work?
• What are the different types of coding technologies and languages?
• In what ways is coding beneficial?

Continue reading for an enlightening discussion!

What is coding?

Coding (also called programming) is the process of writing a set of instructions that a computer can understand and execute. These instructions are written in a specific programming language such as Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript. 

Coding is used to create software, websites, mobile apps, and even control hardware like robots or smart devices.

Let us now move on to some technical topics related to computer coding.

How Does Coding Work? A Question for the Curious

In order to make a computer understand your instructions, you need to choose a suitable means of communication. Computers can only comprehend machine language (binary code). However, instead of learning to code in binary language, you can learn assembly language or other high-level languages.

Assembly language, although much more powerful than high-level languages, is still a lot like machine language. Therefore, it is relatively hard to learn. High-level languages are very similar to the languages that humans communicate in, such as English. Hence, they make computer coding much easier.

Once you have learned a high-level language, you use it to write instructions. This collection of instructions is called a program. The program is first converted from high-level language to assembly language with the help of a compiler or interpreter. The assembly language is further translated into machine language.

Once the computer is able to understand what you are saying, it knows exactly what to do. Your code is successfully executed when the program “runs” and carries out your instructions.

What Is Coding Used For?

You must now be thinking, “What can coding be used for?”

There are numerous applications of computer coding. One of the most common ones is seen in the form of desktop applications. These are programs that you use on your computers or laptops. For example, a word processor, such as Microsoft Word, has many lines of code behind it.

Making desktop apps is not the only purpose of coding. There are many other areas that can be used. Take a look at the following tasks:

• Developing a new operating system for PC
• Creating a mobile application, such as a new Music Player
• Setting up a website, such as a personal blog
• Instructing a microwave on how to heat food
• Coming up with a new MMORPG that people can play with their friends on PC or phone

This is just a fraction of what coding can be used for. There are thousands (sometimes even millions) of lines of code that enable you to perform these tasks. Therefore, this is all part of what coding is.

Read also: A Complete Guide to Different Types of Software

Types of Coding Languages: A Few Basic Concepts

Coding involves writing many different types of programs to perform a variety of tasks. You choose a language depending on your needs.

Each coding language has its own syntax, i.e., rules, just like the English language has some grammar rules.

There are a few programming languages that have been a popular choice among coders for the past few years. Let us talk about some of the most common coding languages:

• Java
• Python
• PHP
• HTML
• CSS
• C++
• Ruby
• SQL

Java

This is one of the few programming languages that are taught to Coding 101 students. Many people believe that it is one of the languages that is easiest to learn. It is very similar to C when it comes to syntax. However, unlike C, it is an object-oriented language (let’s leave that for another time though!).

One of its major advantages is that it is machine-independent. However, for development, you will need Java SE installed on your machine.

Java is a multipurpose language. Its applications include the development of browser-based, mobile, and desktop apps.

Let’s take a look at one of the beginner Java lessons, which makes use of the print function.

Input

Output

Python

Python is another extremely simple and easy-to-learn coding language, which is a major reason behind its rapidly increasing popularity. It is a favourite in the field of Data Science due to its extensive range of scientific and mathematical functions. It is also used to develop desktop and web applications, such as ERP systems.

A simple command for printing a line on-screen would look like this:

Input

Output

Some other common functions include:

str(): declare empty string

max()/min(): return maximum/minimum from list of given values

sum(): return the total of given values

PHP

PHP is a scripting language that is used in writing server-side code for websites. It provides a communication channel between the web server and the browser.

There are a number of reasons why PHP is given preference over other scripting languages.

• It is free and open-source.
• It is extremely easy to learn.
• PHP has been a favourite of programmers for the past few years. Therefore, it has seen a lot of growth and improvement, making it a good choice for both beginners and experts.

This is how you write a basic PHP script, i.e., the part that is enclosed in the <?php> … <?> tags.

Input

Output

CSS

More commonly known as CSS, Cascading Style Sheets is used by developers to enhance website design and layout. They are a means to beautify webpages. Using CSS, you can define the font styles, sizes, colours, and various other design elements for the layout of your webpages.

CSS code usually follows this syntax:

selector 
{ 
    property: value;
}

If you wanted all your headings to be coloured white with a black background, this is how you would code it in your stylesheet:

h1 {
    color: white;
    background: black;
}

HTML

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is one of the most common coding languages used for web development. HTML tackles the following questions:

• What content will be displayed on your webpage?
• How will it be displayed on the screen?

The language is based on pairs of tags (included in angle brackets, e.g., <tag> </tag>), which help identify and define the elements on your webpage.

For example, this is the code for including a heading on your page:

<h1>
    This is a heading.
</h1>

Similarly, a paragraph is represented by <p> and an image by <img>.

Remember to always close your tags.

Here is an example of coding in HTML and CSS combined:

Input

Output

C++

C++ is a high-performance, general-purpose programming language. It is widely used for system programming, game development, software applications, operating systems, and performance-critical applications due to its efficiency and speed. 

C++ supports both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms, making it highly versatile. It also provides features like memory management, strong type checking, and direct access to hardware, making it a preferred choice for developers who require fine control over system resources. 

With its rich standard library, support for multi-threading, and compatibility with various platforms, C++ remains one of the most popular and powerful programming languages used in industries such as gaming, finance, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems.

Example of C++ Code

#include <iostream>  // Header file for input/output

using namespace std;

int main() {

    cout << “Hello, World!”;  // Prints message to the screen

    return 0;  // Indicates successful execution

}

Output

Hello, World!

This simple program prints “Hello, World!” to the screen.

Ruby

Ruby is a dynamic, high-level, and object-oriented programming language known for its simplicity and readability. Ruby provides an elegant and expressive syntax that closely resembles natural language. It is fully object-oriented, meaning everything in Ruby, including numbers and functions, is treated as an object. 

Ruby is widely used in web development, particularly with the Ruby on Rails framework, which simplifies building robust and scalable web applications. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, functional, and object-oriented styles, making it highly flexible. 

Ruby also features automatic memory management and dynamic typing, reducing the complexity of code writing. With an active community and a wealth of open-source libraries, Ruby continues to be a powerful choice for developers focused on rapid development and maintainability.

Example of Ruby Code

puts “Enter your name:”  # Prints message to the console

name = gets.chomp  # Takes user input and removes the newline character

puts “Hello, #{name}! Welcome to Ruby programming.”  # Prints a personalised greeting

Output

Enter your name:

Alice

Hello, Alice! Welcome to Ruby programming.

SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a specialised programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases. It allows users to create, retrieve, update, and delete data efficiently using simple and structured commands. 

SQL is widely used in industries that rely on data storage and management, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and social media platforms. It is a declarative language, meaning users specify what they want to retrieve rather than detailing how to get it. 

Popular database management systems that use SQL include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle Database. Due to its efficiency and scalability, SQL remains the backbone of modern data-driven applications, making it an essential tool for data analysts, developers, and database administrators.

What is the best coding language to learn?

The best coding language to learn depends on your goals and interests. If you’re a beginner, Python is a great choice because of its simple syntax, versatility, and wide use in data science, web development, and automation. 

For web development, JavaScript is essential, as it’s used for interactive websites and works alongside HTML and CSS. If you’re interested in system programming or high-performance applications, 

C++ is powerful and widely used in game development and software engineering. Java is a solid choice for mobile app development, especially for Android. 

If you’re looking into databases and data management, SQL is crucial for handling structured data. 

Ultimately, the best language is the one that aligns with your career path and interests, as each has unique strengths and applications. 

What is the process of writing code?

The process of writing code generally follows these key steps:

1. Understanding the Problem

Before writing any code, it is crucial to understand the problem that needs to be solved. This involves defining the requirements, identifying constraints, and clarifying the expected output. 

Developers often work with stakeholders, clients, or team members to gather information and ensure they fully grasp the scope of the project. A statement of work (SOW) document is often used in this stage to outline the project’s objectives, features, technical requirements, timelines, and scope.

2. Planning the Solution

Once the problem is well understood, the next step is planning how to solve it. This includes choosing the appropriate programming language and tools based on the project’s needs. 

Developers also design the program’s architecture by outlining its structure and workflow. Techniques like writing pseudocode, creating flowcharts, or using Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams can help visualise the solution. 

3. Writing the Code

With a clear plan in place, developers start coding by implementing the designed solution step by step. It’s often beneficial to begin with a basic structure or a software prototype before adding more complexity. 

Writing clean, well-structured code with meaningful variable names, functions, and comments makes it easier to read and maintain. Many developers follow coding best practices and design patterns to ensure the code is scalable and easy to debug.

4. Testing the Code

After writing the initial version of the code, testing is essential to ensure it functions correctly. Unit tests help verify that individual components work as expected, while integration tests check how different parts of the program interact. 

Debugging is an important part of this stage, as developers must identify and fix errors, memory leaks, or performance bottlenecks. Testing frameworks and automated testing tools are often used to streamline this process and catch potential issues early.

5. Refactoring and Optimisation

Once the code works as intended, the next step is to refine it. Refactoring involves improving the readability, structure, and efficiency of the code without changing its functionality. 

This step helps eliminate redundant code, reduce complexity, and enhance maintainability. Developers may also optimise algorithms or database queries to improve performance, ensuring that the program runs efficiently even with large datasets or heavy workloads.

6. Documentation

Good documentation is crucial for both current and future developers who may need to work on the project. Inline comments within the code help explain complex logic, while external documentation provides a broader overview of the system’s architecture, APIs, and usage instructions. 

Well-documented code reduces confusion, making it easier for teams to collaborate and new developers to onboard quickly. Version control systems like Git are also used to track changes and maintain an organised history of updates.

7. Deployment

After thorough testing and final refinements, the program is ready for deployment. This involves packaging the code and setting it up in the intended environment, whether it be a local server, cloud service, or mobile platform. 

Deployment processes often include setting up security measures, configuring databases, and ensuring that the system is scalable. Continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines help automate the process, making updates and bug fixes smoother.

8. Maintenance and Updates

Even after deployment, software development is an ongoing process. Developers need to monitor the application’s performance, address user feedback, and fix any bugs that arise. Regular updates may be required to introduce new features, optimise existing functionalities, or enhance security. 

Each of these steps contributes to a structured coding process. Depending on the project and methodology (such as Agile or DevOps), these steps may be iterative, with continuous improvements and refinements. 

A Few Final Words

Now that you have reached the end of this article, you would know the answers to these questions:

• What is coding in software engineering?
• What are some common programming languages?
• What advantages does computer coding give you?

Here are a few things that you must remember in coding 101:

• Always pick the coding technology that meets your requirements.
• Give equal importance to your coding concepts and hands-on practice.
• Don’t try to learn everything at once.
• Practice makes perfect!

You may be getting started with your “Hello World!” program right now, but you will improve with consistent practice and revision. Good luck!

FAQs

What is dual coding?

Dual coding is a learning theory that suggests people understand and retain information better when it is presented using both verbal (text or spoken words) and visual (images, diagrams, or videos) representations. This approach leverages the brain’s ability to process information through two different channels – verbal and non-verbal – which enhances comprehension and memory.

What is medical coding?

Medical coding is the process of translating healthcare diagnoses, treatments, and procedures into standardised codes for billing and record-keeping. It ensures accurate documentation in medical records, enabling proper insurance claims and data tracking.