Basic Programming Terminologies Every Beginner Should Know

If you're new to programming, you might hear terms like "source code," "compiler," or "object code" and wonder what they really mean. Before you start writing your first program, it’s important to understand these basic concepts.

This blog will explain, step-by-step, all the essential programming terms that beginners must know.

1. What is Programming?

Programming means telling a computer what to do using a set of instructions. These instructions are written in special languages known as programming languages.

2. What is a Program?

A program is a complete set of instructions written to perform a specific task, like displaying a message, adding two numbers, or running a game.

3. What is Code?

Code is the written instruction we give to a computer using a programming language. It tells the computer exactly what to do—step by step. Different programming languages have different rules (called syntax), but they all serve the same purpose: to get the computer to behave how we want.

Let us write a code that prints "Hello, World!" by using different programming languages.

Python

print("Hello, World!")

Java

public class Main {
 public static void main(String[] args) {
  System.out.println("Hello, World!");
 }
}

C

#include 
int main() {
 printf("Hello, World!\n");
 return 0;
}

C++

#include 
using namespace std;

int main() {
 cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;
 return 0;
}

Java Script

console.log("Hello, World!");

4. What is Source Code?

When you write code in a programming language, it’s called source code.

It’s the human-readable version of your program before it is translated for the computer.

5. What is File Extension?

A file extension is the part of a filename that comes after the dot (.), which tells the computer (and programmers) what type of file it is and how it should be handled. For example, for the files "Hello.c" and "Hello.js", the file extensions are ".c" and ".js". It helps both the operating system and developers understand the file’s purpose and content. content.

6. What is Machine Language?

Computers don’t understand human-friendly code. They only understand machine language, which is made of 0s and 1s (called binary code).

7. Why Do We Need Translators?

Since computers understand only machine language, the source code you write needs to be translated before the computer can execute it.

That’s where tools like compilers, interpreters, and assemblers help.

8. What is a Compiler?

A compiler is a special program that takes your entire source code—written in a high-level programming language like C, C++, or Java—and translates it into machine code (binary instructions) that a computer can understand and execute. This translation happens before the program runs.

9. What is an Interpreter?

An interpreter also translates your code, but it works line-by-line. It reads one instruction, executes it, then moves to the next.

Unlike a compiler, which translates the entire program before running it, an interpreter works in real-time—translating and running each instruction as it goes.

Languages like Python and JavaScript use interpreters.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Reads a line of code
2. Translates it into machine instructions
3. Executes it right away
4. Repeats for the next line

10. What is an Assembler?

An assembler is a special program that translates code written in assembly language into machine language—the binary instructions that a computer’s processor can understand and execute.

Assembly language uses short, human-readable commands called mnemonics (like MOV, ADD, SUB) that represent low-level operations. These are closely tied to the architecture of the CPU.

11. What is Object Code?

Object code is the result you get after your source code (written in a high-level language like C, C++, or Java) is translated by a compiler or assembler. It’s a low-level, machine-understandable version of your program—usually in binary format (0s and 1s)—that the computer can execute or link into a final executable.

• Written in machine language (not human-readable)
• Stored in object files like .obj, .o, .exe, or .com

12. What is Executable File?

Object code often represents part of a program (especially in large projects). It may not work on its own until it is combined with other object code files and libraries.

In C/C++, you might get .o or .obj files as object code.

An executable file is the final version of your program that is fully ready to run.

It’s created after the linking process, where all the object code files and required libraries are combined into one complete, runnable file.

When you double-click or run an executable file, the program starts running.

On Windows, an executable file usually has a .exe extension.

13. What is Execution?

Execution means the actual running of your program.

Once your code is translated into machine code, your computer starts performing the tasks you wrote.

14. What is Debugging?

While writing code, mistakes (called bugs) are common.

Debugging is the process of finding and fixing these mistakes in your code.

15. What is an IDE (Integrated Development Environment)?

An IDE is software that makes coding easier. It provides:

A place to write code.

Tools to run and test programs.

Helps in debugging.

Examples:

• VS Code
• PyCharm

Before writing your first real program, understanding these basic concepts will help you feel more confident and clear about what’s happening behind the scenes.

In the next blog, we’ll learn how your code goes from what you write (source code) to what the computer actually runs (execution process).