Are coding and programming the same? What is the difference between coding and programming? If we put the word “programming” in an auto word spin-off bot, we may get the word “coding” in place of that. So, by this phenomenon, we can say coding is a synonym of programming, which basically means the same, right? Well, sorry to say, you are dead wrong!
Both the word practically means completely different. You can use it where the technical staffs don’t matter, however. But when it comes to the actual discussion of whether both means the same or not, we can say, the difference is quite significant. So, in this article, we will dive deep into some fundamental differences between coding and programming to figure out this dilemma.
In general, those who code a bit of instruction are called coder and those who program software is called programmer. To figure out who is coder and programmer we have to understand coding and programming.
Coding
By simple definition, you can say coding is translating a bunch of instructions to a friendly computer language. So, say, for example, your boss instructed you to make a pop-up on the company website displaying some discount offers. Your job will be to create the pop-up by figuring out the computer language the site was built.
Of course, you have to have the knowledge and skills to pull it off. But there is much you are doing apparently, other than following a set of instructions. So, if you are a coder, your job is to translate the set of instructions and execute the program without any errors or bugs.
Programming
Imagine the table has turned, and miraculously you and your boss exchanged the job-roles. So, you have to give the instructions to your boss that you have coded before. Can you be able to create the instructions for your boss to code? Probably not!
Now, if we come back to the main topic, programming is a bunch of operations which has a specific purpose. It needs several helping hands in fact, several coders to create the required program to work. So, over here, your boss or the company hierarchy are the programmers, and you are the coder.
Also Read: Difference Between Freeware Software and Open Source Software
Difference Between Coding and Programming
Technically, there are many differences between coding and programming. However, we will discuss some fundamental differences which are easy to understand.
- Coding is to translate a set of instructions that programmers asks them to do. Here, the programmers actually think and figure out a way to serve a specific purpose. Coders just carry out the orders and execute accordingly.
- A programmer sets the logic to figure out the means to serve any specific purpose. Be that a robot doing household work, or an app that coverts centimetres to millimetres. A coder, on the other hand, just executes the plan, like a waiter serves a delicious lobster to a guest, not knowing how to cook it.
- It no secret that any program consists of codes, or what we call “source codes.” It is true that the coders execute the source codes, but they have just followed the protocols to write those codes which are required for the software. This is the job of a programmer.
Conclusion
So, we believe we have managed to distinguish the confusion of where and how we should use the words. It is just a simple formula, to be honest, a programmer can be a coder, but a coder is not a programmer.
