Programming Software: Definition What is it for?

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Programming software

Software is a component of the computer that cannot be touched, however it is what makes the system work, that is, it is considered the component capable of performing or executing any task within any computer system.

We can also refer to the fact that the software is in charge of converting all the instructions and taking them to the processor, graphics card or the component that executes the instructions that we want to achieve through the expected result, in other words the software is in charge of translating the data. processed by the hardware in order to be seen on the screen in a simple way.

There are three groups of software called: system software, programming software and application software, at present these groups can be classified into groups of free software or proprietary or licensed software.

Origin of Programming Software

Although it is true that the first records date back to the 1940s, it is no less true that programming software had its origins more than a thousand years ago, according to research carried out, computers did not exist; They stored data in a machine to later be interpreted in time, which is why software began to be talked about at the end of the XNUMXth century when the first advances in the matter were observed.

It became complicated to work that way and out of necessity the first high-level programming languages ​​appeared, similar to many of those used today, although of course they did not offer the user the same possibilities as modern software, since they only they were capable of running on specific hardware, which obviously made them very limited in terms of languages ​​and expected results.

Subsequently, some of the languages ​​that were previously used have served as the basis for the programming languages ​​used today.

Programming Concept

It is the process that is used to devise and order the necessary actions to carry out a project, prepare certain machines or devices so that they start working at the time and in the desired way or develop programs for use in computers.

Currently, programming is part of the creation and application of computer media, which is defined as the process itself, through which a person develops a program of a tool that allows him to write the code and another capable of translating it. , which is known as the language of machines.

Which can be decrypted by a microprocessor. The final step is called compilation, and it is a necessary procedure so that the code can be executed by the platform for which it was created, which can be a computer, that is, a mobile phone.

There is also a way to translate the code, called Interpretation, it consists of analyzing line by line, until enough information is translated, to be able to perform a task. It should be noted that programming languages ​​are divided into two groups; those that can be compiled cannot be interpreted or vice versa. The entire process covers various stages and requires the participation of different specialists.

Starting from the basis of a specific project, it is necessary to have a clear and objective idea that justifies the effort and sacrifice involved in the development of the project.

Within the dynamics of elaboration, the beginning tends to be very tedious and take a long time, since there are prospects of obtaining a perfect product, and in the process of applying technical criteria, the end result can be a disaster, a total failure.

Once the idea is conceived, the design must be established, which is nothing more than formalizing all the criteria discussed during the initial search. Each team works in its own way, applying team criteria and establishing its own structure guidelines as such, this has as a consequence that the result of the structural creation is not rigid.

The next step would be the beginning of experimenting through programming, the means to facilitate. Designers have direct and interactive contact with their idea.

How is the software created?

The creation of the software can be complex, depending on the objective to be achieved. In other words, it is the set of steps that must be followed from the programming point of view to achieve a solution to a problem with obtaining a product.

Now, having a clear understanding of the term software and how it is created, we will begin to navigate what programming software is, definition, origin, characteristics, and other important aspects of this topic.

When talking about programming software, we cannot forget that in order to program it is necessary to handle a programming language, which is in charge of expressing, designing in the computer what we want to achieve or achieve when forming the program or objective to be achieved to be processed internally in the hardware.

Language is a language that can only be used on computers, usually used in the creation of programs, and is made up of a set of symbols and rules that allow conceptualizing the structure and meaning of elements and expressions.

Additionally, the programming language are those that allow to control the physical and logical behavior of a machine, in order to offer solutions to various problems that commonly arise internally within the computer.

Among the most common types of programming languages ​​we find:

• Visual Basic
• . NET
• C++
• C#
• Java
• Objective-C
• javascript
• Pascal
• Others

software types

There are a variety of programming software, which we will tell you about below.

1. app software

They are those programs that have nothing to do with the operation of the computer; On the contrary, they are designed and marketed to be installed on the computer as a work tool and thus facilitate tasks, for example: word processors, spreadsheets, graphics, presentation programs, among others; It is also used to search for information, for example: digital books and encyclopedias, internet browser, etc.; or as an element of distraction or leisure, such is the case of video games, videos, reports, audio players, among others.

The installation of this type of programs is done by the user, however, the possibility that many of these programs come with the equipment (pre-installed) by agreements between the assembly and marketing companies is not ruled out.

2. Programming Software

They are those programs that help in the creation and development of an application, through logical and programming knowledge, for this they use their own language oriented to develop new systems, in other words they are those tools that are developed to fulfill a certain function, but that They are later improved or optimized by people specialized in this type of activity, which is why programming software is needed, which is nothing more than the programs that help us in the creation and development of some application.

This type of programs specifically serve us to develop new systems taking into account their coding. Programs designed as text editors are an example of this type of software, since they are used to write programs, to later be compiled and checked if they present irregularities or generate any type of problem that prevents the development of a specific program. according to the programming language determined for this purpose.

Currently there is a variety of software that have programming tools, based on programming languages, known in the market as Integrated Development Environments and that are very useful for users.

3. System Software

They are those programs pre-installed on the computer that serve as a base and that allow interaction with the operating systems residing in it, in order to support other programs and have better and greater control of the hardware.

It is considered the most important of the Software since in it converge a set of programs and applications whose purpose is to connect all the applications with the hardware resources that the device has, that is, it is through which access is given and control is had. on the peripherals, to the RAM memory, the hard disk since otherwise the computer could not work correctly.

In short, system software is in charge of channeling physical resources in such a way as to coordinate tasks based on the computer's memory, as well as exercising control with the system, in such a way that it is the one who connects the applications with the resources offered by the hardware, which the device has.

4. Free Software

As its name indicates this software, it refers to Freedom. This type of program is characterized by working based on a digital device. The people who develop this type of programs aim to offer them without obtaining any income, on the contrary, they can be copied, used, modified as long as these third parties can use them without obtaining benefits.

5. Proprietary Software

They are programs where the user has limitations when using it, modifying it or redistributing it, it is considered private domain software. These types of programs or tools are the most common and well-known with regard to the most important operating systems on the market; An example of this is Microsoft Office, which is the best-known and cheapest office suite on the market. Other popular browsers are Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, which are free for the user.

What is Programming Software?

Programming software are programs and tools that are used to create other programs and applications, that is, it is used to create other software.

They are programs that help in the creation and development of applications, through knowledge in relation to existing programming languages.

Having clear knowledge about what Software is, we will delve into the types of software, and its application, from the point of view of technologies and their digital transformation, fundamental knowledge to understand how and why computer systems work and how they do it.

Currently there are many types of software which we will talk about in a simple way and illustrate with some examples.

Programming Software Classification

This software can be classified into several types, which are detailed below:

• Text editors: are those programs that act as processors, are responsible for creating and modifying digital files that are only made up of texts, in order to be stored without greater complexity. The objective of the text editor is that it is used to write and later see the content of the file. It is important to point out that we should not confuse it with the Word program. Example: Windows Notepad.
• Compilers: It is considered a tool that allows the translation of software code, in such a way that they can be interpreted by the computer and guarantee its optimal functioning.
• Interpreter: is the program that allows us to analyze and execute other programs, in a programming language. It is flexible and works slowly. This Software is capable of analyzing and executing other programs. The interpreters only translate the part that is necessary, statement by statement and do not store the result of this translation.
• linkers: they are in charge of creating links between different objects present in the compilation phase, collect all the information of all the necessary resources, discard the ones that are not needed and join with the specific code to later produce a single file or file that can be executed .
• Debuggers: or debuggers, are those that allow testing and eliminating possible errors in programs. The object is to detect and eliminate errors in the program.
• Integrated development environment: (EDI or IDE), is a tool that is defined as all in one since it provides the developer or programmer with many alternatives when developing software, because in addition to offering quality it is easy and fast to debug it. Various types of programming software are integrated here, such as a text editor, a compiler, and a debugger.

After analyzing the different types of programming software, we find different programs or applications, designed to fulfill specific tasks within the development process of some routine, such is the case of compilers, who have the particular task of translating the programming language that we are using a machine language, so that the hardware can interpret it.

In general, Integrated Development Environments are the ones that allow the development of programming software. It is here where the tools are focused on developing a single programming language, which makes the program features friendly compared to those used by others, in such a way as to optimize productivity when creating, modifying, compiling, implementing and debug the software from a specific place. An example of this is Xcode or Delphi, which are closed and specific languages ​​or allow no adjustment.

Integrated Development Environments in many cases are designed to run only one type of programming language at a time, however there are some that are the exception and resist other programming languages, such as Assembler, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, etc. Pascal or Objective-C.

Additionally, they have a source code editor, automatic construction tools, that is, wizards and templates, compilers and/or interpreters, as well as the so-called debuggers. Today, most modern IDEs are graphical with high-level interfaces such as GUIs.

It is important to point out that the Integrated Development Environments have been very useful for the development of different software which we use every day in our work environment, specifically we are talking about Microsoft office automation (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, among others). others), video and audio players, editing tools such as Adobe Photoshop and many others that have currently been created under this type of platform in order to provide us with quality tools and achieve optimal use of equipment and better performance. of the assigned activities.

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Programming Software Examples

We also offer you the various examples of programming software.

•   Microsoft Visual Studio

It is a cross-platform tool that has compatibility for a large number of languages, including PHP, Java, Python, C++, Ruby, among others. It is designed primarily for web development, with support for Django and ASP.NET. It is one of the best IDE for creating software of any kind.

• WinDev

It is a fairly affordable EDI and is mainly used when making fast applications, especially with a focus on data. It gives the user different graphic models to choose from and is highly interactive. It has support for Java, C# and .NET and even offers the option of creating programs for platforms such as Linux and Mac.

• NetBeans

It is determined, as one of the most used integrated development environments in the world, also serving as a free software program. It is mainly used to program in Java, in addition, different modules can be used to extend its functions.

•    GeneXus

It is a powerful development software that is used in the business sector, and allows you to create applications for Windows environments, mobile applications and also web pages. It is very useful for web developers, since it is made up of different types of databases such as: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, etc.

•      Notepad + +

In this case, the text editor and the source code are the most used in the world, because it is free and extremely lightweight, in addition to having support for more than 50 programming languages ​​and even giving us the option of adding our own languages. It is oriented for Windows, through tools like Snap it is possible that it works in many Linux applications.

• Minecraft

It is a video game created in Java and is widely accepted. It is a game in which the player is allowed to freely develop their creativity to create any type of construction, explore, fight and improve their characters; allows integration with other players through various online modes. It is currently owned by Microsoft.

• Think Free

They are the group of office programs created in Java and compatible with other platforms such as: Android, Windows, Linux and Mac OS. These are tools that act and are known as the Write word processor, the spreadsheet called Calc, the presentation software called Show, the HTML editor, as well as a blog editor called Note.

• Oracle Developer Studio:

It is an IDE based on NetBeans. It is oriented to environments such as Solaris, RHEL and Linux distributions. It is oriented under programming in languages ​​such as Fortran, C and C++.

• Sweet Home 3D:

It is a NetBeans development program, specifically aimed at architecture and graphic design professionals since it allows you to create 2D plans of a house or apartments, rooms or halls and then see the results in a three-dimensional environment. This type of program has the advantage that it runs in different environments such as: Linux, Mac and Windows.

• Chrome:

Currently and worldwide it is a recognized and popular Google web browser. It is a tool that can perform advanced analysis and debugging of C++. It is made from the Chromium project.

In these modern times, the examples indicated above are the best known and used, as current programming software tools, however we cannot fail to mention other examples, which over the years have been used as processors or developers of programs and that remain in the technology market. Many of them are the following:

• Cobol : It is a programming language designed for commercial use.
• ASP :It was the first script engine used in the Microsoft server for web pages.
• Pascal : It is a demanding programming language used as a processor in large computers.
• RPG : This type of programming language is used to develop business applications.
• Java: It is a group of computer specifications and applications designed to develop software aimed at the multiplatform environment..
• Blocks : Programming language that allows the creation of blocks, within which we can include nested blocks and, in turn, these within other blocks. This type of programming is known as structured block programming.

Advantages of Programming Software

Some of the advantages offered by programming software within the field of Technologies are:

• The installation of the programs is carried out in a personalized way.
• The execution of the activities in the system is carried out locally, which affects the speed when processing the information.
• They are stable and strong to existing applications on the Web.
• They frequently use operating systems that include computers, as well as software requirements.
• Access to develop abstract and mathematical thinking to solve complex problems.
• It stimulates autonomy in learning and a higher level of development of cognitive skills.
• Strengthens the development of collaborative work skills by seeking innovative team solutions.
• It groups the use of different “intelligences in shared projects: linguistic, mathematical, artistic, spatial, musical, interpersonal and interpersonal.
• Arouses interest in girls and boys for mathematics and STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in general, which expands more equitably the job opportunities of all students in these areas.

However, Integrated Development Environments offer advantages that speak for themselves such as:

• It allows us to make use of the code debug.
• You have the quick option of finding files with declared variables and functions.
• Code validations can be performed, that is, verify that there are no errors in our syntax.
• Plugins or extensions are integrated to complete and improve its functions.
• It allows to apply on entire projects from a single session.

With all these improvements at hand compared to a common text editor, it is quite clear that using an EDI generates many benefits when programming

Disadvantages of Programming Software

• It is not recommended to apply it only in long-term projects, on the contrary, they should be used in the short term.
• The commissions and costs are very high in case the programs do not work or present failures in any routine
• They are not flexible so it is necessary to adjust them to the principles of XP
• It may not be considered at the time of its application as a more routine traditional development.

Sequence of programming software

The specific sequence of software development, from its initial phase to the final phase, including its functional state. The idea is to determine the different intermediate phases that are required to validate the development of the application, with the objective of guaranteeing that the software meets the requirements for the application and verification of the development procedures. For such purposes, it is guaranteed that the methods used are appropriate.

These originate from the fact that it is very expensive to rectify errors that are detected late in the implementation or programming phase itself, during the functional phase. This structural sequence, which for many is known as the programming software life cycle, allows errors to be detected as soon as possible and therefore developers can focus on the quality of the software in terms of implementation and the costs that this entails.

The sequential process can be structured as follows:

• Definition of objectives: determine the result of the project and its role in the overall strategy.
• Analysis of the requirements and their feasibility: collect, examine and formulate the customer's requirements and review any restrictions that may apply.
• General design: general requirements of the application structure.
• Design in detail: precise conceptualization of each subset of the application.
• Programming (programming and implementation): is the implementation in a programming language to design the functions defined during the design stage.
• Unit Testing – Precise evaluation of each subset in the application to ensure they were implemented according to specifications.
• Integration: to ensure that the different modules and applets are integrated with the application. This is the purpose of the integration test which must be carefully documented.
• Validation testing, which is responsible for ensuring that the software meets the original specifications.
• Documentation: This corresponds to the user manual containing all the necessary information for the users of the software in which the functions of each of the processes for the development of future adaptations, extensions and corrections are detailed.
• Maintenance: for all corrective procedures and minor software updates which are continuous.

It is important to highlight that the order, presence and synchronization of each of these procedures in the structural sequence of the programming software depend on the type of model agreed between the client and the team of developers. An example is free software whose structural sequence is very dynamic, since many programmers work simultaneously developing their applications.