What is the Difference between Coding and Programming

What is Coding

It is well known that computer processors only comprehend the language of ones and zeros, and our natural language is radically different from this binary language. Thus, we need to translate the orders that we wish to execute into the language of processors.

Coding converts natural language into machine instructions, and coders utilize an intermediate language to lead the step-by-step action the machine needs to do. We may describe coding as the act of transferring instructions for a computer from human language to a language a machine can comprehend. This code directs the computer on how to behave and what actions to execute.

You are supposed to be writing code in different languages like Python, C, Java, etc to become a coder. If you know the various languages you will be able to command the computer to execute the programs created by you and your team.

Thus coding essentially involves writing the code for creating a software program. The applications, games or websites are all programs.

What is Programming

The process of developing an executable software program that can be compiled and run without any errors is called Programming. Thus the programmer’s job is to analyze a problem in code and provide the solutions.

While coding is a significant element of software development, it is not the most crucial aspect. To build a product, you need to do numerous further actions. They involve strategy, design, testing, deployment, and even maintenance. Altogether, the complete process might be termed programming. Programming is writing the instructions that will inform the computer how to complete a particular job. For a programmer to design a program that will execute their concept, they need to carry out the following steps:

1. Planning the structure of the app (with the aid of technologies like Trello)
2. Designing it (by utilizing tools like Figma or Adobe xd)
3. Developing it (by using their programming language of choice)
4. Testing its features
5. Deploying it (on either free or commercial hosting providers)
6. Maintaining it when it's completed.

So as you can see, we can argue that programming does not just deal with the actual writing of the code. It also entails employing data structures and algorithms and dealing with the broader picture of designing and growing complex systems.

Yes, both coding and programming seem to look alike but we could say that coding is the writing of the codes from the normal language to the machine language but programming is going the extra yard to run the machine according to the instructions given as code.

Difference Between Coding and Programming

Let’s take a look at the differences between coding and programming:

1. Basic Difference

Coding can be seen as an extension of programming; the part that deals with converting the language into binary commands for the machine. Programming, however, is the process of program creation that has certain tasks and standards apart from feeding the machine with code.

2. Scope

The requirement logic is translated into machine-understandable code in Coding whereas Programming demands analysis and conceptualization of the various aspects of any program and finding the solutions to different issues that might occur in the process. There are other critical parameters like debugging, compiling, testing, and implementation that are linked to programming.

3. Tools

You would not require many software tools for Coding, mostly a text editor like Notepad or Wordpad would do. These days debug tools such as Eclipse, Delphi, ATOM, etc are used along with an IDE.

For programming, one would require performing analysis and document review, along with coding the requires extra tools. These tools that are needed here are code analysis tools, databases, testing frameworks, code generators, linkers, compilers, code editors, GUI designers, assemblers, debuggers and performance analysis tools.

The advanced concepts of Git and Github are supposed to be known by the programmer, along with database tools, analytical tools such as presentation tools, cloud tools, Apache Spark, etc since it has a broader scope.

4. Skills

Basic knowledge of programming languages is a must for coding whereas Programming would require creating algorithms, data processing, match models, and data structures know-how. Some experience and, most preferably, a specialized degree are required to write logic, analyze, write, and design complex programs. His/her imagination and analytical skills are also used for solving problems. It is also expected of him to understand complex data structures and algorithms.

The programmer’s technical specifications are to be followed by the coder to write code and make sure that the final outcome meets the requirements.

5. Outcomes

The expected outcome of coding is the result of applying a set of instructions to a computer with a piece of code whereas, after programming, the obtained outcome is a whole application, a website, or a software product.

Tabular Comparison

Final Words

Coding and Programming are often confused and we hope that you have been able to understand that they are two distinct fields, at least. For developing any software product both of them are very important.