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Definition of Program

By David Bolton, About.com

Definition: A computer program is a set of instructions for a computer to perform a specific task. Programs generally fall into these categories applications, utilities or services.

Programs are written in a programming language (See What is a Programming Language?) then translated into machine code by a compiler and linker so that the computer can execute it directly or run it line by line (interpreted) by an interpreter program. Popular scripting languages like Visual Basic in Microsoft Office are interpreted.

Glossary:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Also Known As: Computer Program
Common Misspellings: Programme
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