The Essential Elements of a Computer Program
In this age, being able to program a computer is an essential skill to have. Whether you’re just starting out and want to work as a freelancer, or if you’re looking for a full-time job as a programmer, you need to understand the essential elements of a computer program. In this blog post, we’ll go over all the things you need to know and understand in order to write your own computer programs.
Frontend and Backend
The frontend and backend of a computer program, sometimes referred to as client-side and server-side respectively. The frontend is the part of the program that is visible to the user in their web browser or app. This includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that you are coding in order to render the visuals and behaviour of the user interface. Backend programming consists of coding in a server-side language to create and manage the content and data of the website or app.
APIs and Servers
In order to make a computer program run over the web, you must connect it with a server. Servers are machines that host your website or application and make them available to the public. Then, when you need to access a specific feature or data, you must make use of an API (Application Programming Interface). APIs allow you to make requests to the server and receive a response.
Linux & Ubuntu
When setting up a server, the most important decision is which operating system to use. The two most popular choices are Linux and Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an open source Linux operating system that is user-friendly and easy to manage. It has been the go-to choice for web developers for many years due to its reliability and stability.
Digital Ocean & Virtual Servers
For hosting your application or website, you’ll likely use a hosting provider such as Digital Ocean or Linode. Digital Ocean offers robust and reliable virtual servers with fast and easy setup. Once you have your server up and running, you’ll need to install the necessary software and configure it depending on your needs.
Programming Languages
Programming languages are what you use to actually write the code of your computer program. Different languages are used for different purposes, so you’ll want to do some research on what language is best for the job. Some popular choices include Python, JavaScript, and Ruby.
Tech Stacks
Depending on the framework you’re using, the language you’re coding in, and other aspects of your application, you’ll need to configure a tech stack that best meets your needs. A tech stack is a combination of different technologies and layers used to create a web or mobile application. Some popular choices include the MEAN stack (MongoDB, ExpressJS, Angular, Node.js), and the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).
Best Resources for Learning to Program
If you’re just starting out and want to learn to program, there are a ton of resources available. You can check out tutorials and courses on platforms such as Udemy or Coursera, and learn through video tutorials on YouTube. There are also websites with articles and tutorials, as well as forums where you can ask your burning questions. Here are some of the best resources for learning to program:
- Udemy: Udemy offers a great selection of programming courses, with topics ranging from beginner-level to advanced.
- Coursera: Coursera offers free to low-cost courses and certificates in programming related topics.
- YouTube: YouTube has a huge selection of tutorials and courses, often taught by seasoned professionals.
- Stackoverflow: Stackoverflow is an active Q&A forum for programming questions and specific problems.
- Egghead: Egghead is a great resource for learning to code, offering video courses on web development and other topics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the essential elements of a computer program is essential for anyone looking to learn to program or to become a freelancer. Be sure to understand the differences between frontend and backend, familiarize yourself with Linux and Ubuntu, and know where to find the best resources to start learning. Good luck, and happy coding!
