Coding

Coding is basically the act of translating codes from human language to a machine-based language. It can also be called a subset of programming since it is the foundation of programming. A coder has to be multilingual and has to write codes in different programming languages such as Java, C, Python, R based on the requirement. With the help of codes, you are providing instructions and information to the computer.

Three common components of most of the programming languages:

• Code syntax and rules that are to be followed when writing a code
• Compiler for converting code into the respective machine code
• Code execution and returning the results

A computer only understands the machine code, written in binary language. A coder’s task is to transform the requirements given to him into a language understandable by the machine. Also, some programmers translate logic into machine-understandable codes with a language. Coding used for implementing the fundamentals of computer programming in one way is also programming. The difference is that programming is used in a broader sense and deals with writing codes in multiple languages.

The coders work as per the received instructions. After this, the code implementation, debugging, code testing, and quality analysis is executed. These instructions are customarily called “source code.” Coding involves writing codes for creating a software program. Any sort of application, website, or game is a program. Let’s now have a look at the detailed explanation of programming.

Programming

Programming is a bigger aspect than coding, which is one of the parts of it. It is the process of developing an executable software program that is implemented without any errors. It is the programmer’s job to analyze a problem in the code and provide solutions.

Application creation requires several necessary steps, including planning, designing, testing, deployment, and maintenance. So, programming deals with not only coding but also analysis and implementing algorithms, understanding data structures, and mitigating issues. Altogether, the whole process is called programming.

A pseudocode is a good approach for explaining the algorithm to the coder. Coding is an essential part of programming, but a programmer requires a lot more knowledge, experience, and additional skills than coding.

A programmer creates complex programs, read, and executed by the machine providing a complete set of instructions for computers to perform. It takes years to become a professional programmer. If you can build a program and ensure that it doesn’t have errors, you can consider yourself that you have leveled up in your career as a successful programmer.

There is one simple example that can clearly explain programming. For instance, you can program the clock to wake you up at 6 AM. Also, you can program the AC to work on the temperature that you have chosen with the remote button that has codes at the backend to work on the given set of instructions by the user.

Difference between Coding and Programming

While coding and programming seem to be synonymous at the front, they are altogether different from each other. While coding means writing codes from one language to another, programming means to program a machine with a given set of instructions to run.

A coder’s task is to translate logic into language the machine can understand, whereas a programmer has to do more than just writing the codes.

1. Basic Difference

Coding is a part of programming that deals with converting the language into binary commands for the machine. Programming is the process of creating a program that follows certain standards and performing a certain task.

2. Scope

Coding is about translating the requirement logic into machine-understandable code. In contrast, programming demands analysis and conceptualization of different aspects of any program and finding solutions to any issues that may occur during the process. It also involves critical parameters such as debugging, compiling, testing, and implementation.

3. Tools

Coding doesn’t require so many software tools to be accomplished. Just a simple text editor like WordPad or Notepad would suffice. Nowadays, an IDE and debug tools such as Eclipse, Bootstrap, Delphi, ATOM are also used.

Programming requires document review and performing analysis along with coding that requires extra tools. The tools needed in the process are code analysis tools, code generators, databases, testing frameworks, linkers, compilers, code editors, GUI designers, assemblers, debuggers, and performance analysis tools.

A programmer is expected to know the advanced concepts of Git and Github, Database tools, analytical tools such as Apache Spark, presentation tools, cloud tools since it has a broader scope.

4. Skills

Coders are needed to have basic knowledge of programming languages. Programming would require creating algorithms, math models, data processing, and data structures know-how. A programmer needs a specialized degree and experience to write logic, analyze, design, and write complex programs. He also applies his imagination and analytical skills for solving specific problems. He is also expected to understand and create complex data structures and algorithms.

The coder’s job is to follow the programmer’s technical specifications to write code and ensure that the final outcome meets the requirements.