Coding VS Programming
You hear the words coding and programming thrown around all the time in the tech world. We all by this point understand computers to a certain degree. We also (at different depths of comprehension) accept that applications or programs, run on computers and allow us to do all kinds of things like send emails, make video calls, buy cryptocurrency and watch cat videos. And programs are really Software written by a human, without magic to perform a set of actions and respond to user input and then perform more consequential actions.
But you may have vaguely heard the terms Coding and Programming and immediately rolled your eyes because you’re no nerd and this stuff sounds complicated. Well, here we are to demystify some of the alchemy that is really going on in the back rooms of the Computing world.
What does it mean really? Are they the same? Let’s break it down.
Programming — This means to define and then pass a set of instructions to a computer or an application, i.e. passing some sequence of operations that have a logical purpose to us or the user.
Coding — This means writing code in a language that a computer system can compile (i.e. comprehend) and then run. Coding is used to implement the steps involved in programming.
In other words, coding involves many lines of computer language to create a software program. Programming involves coding data structures, algorithms, problem solving and many more.
You can be a coder and not be a programmer but when you are a programmer you are also a coder.
You need a degree or extensive learning to become a programmer.
You can become a coder in 24 hours by using online material.
A programmer is more like Captain whereas coders are more like soldiers.
Coders follow instructions while programmers create rules and instructions for coders.
A programmer is in charge of an entire software while a coder is in charge of snippets of the software.
A programmer is responsible for the entire life cycle of the software and to be able to predict any potential issues that may arise in the future.
Think you can come up with your own analogy? Try it out! Comment below to share your ideas.
In essence, Programming is the whole flow of how the application is going to work, from a high level perspective. Coding is then the actualization of that flow into the specific language that the software or application is written in. There can be great Programming with terrible Coding, or vice versa. Each is technically independent of the other, though they are connected in actuality.
