What is Programming?

A program is a set of instructions for a computer. The instructions are very low-level: instructions for a pocket calculator.

The challenge is to synthesize complex behavior from simple instructions.

The computer is so fast that the human mind cannot keep up with every detail. Thus, computer science must deal with abstraction: how can we specify a program in an abstract, easy-to-write, easy-to-understand form?

Programming has several aspects:

• Science, because the methods of mathematics and science are used in writing and analyzing programs.

• Engineering, because we want programs to be efficient and reliable.

• Art, because writing programs requires creative design.

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