1. A computer program is known as a software. It contain a set of instructions for the computer to perform. They are written in programming languages.
2. Programming languages are mainly grouped in two categories: High-level and low-level.
High-level languages are programming languages that are English-like and easy to understand. (Java, C++, Visual Basic, etc)
Low-level programming languages are extremely difficult to understand since they're mostly just 'random' numbers and letters, of course they mean something but it's hard to understand. (Assembly language, Machine code)
3. A program written in a high-level language is called a source program (or source code). However, a computer cannot understand a source program. That's why you need a compiler (next)
4. A compiler is a program that takes whatever code you wrote in a programming language, and converts that into another language that your computer can understand. (Usually machine code) Your computer cannot understand high-level languages directly and needs it to be translated into a language so that it can perform the instructions. A compiler is like a translator :)
5. A CPU is a hardware chip on your computer that carries out the instructions sent by the softwares. They are located on the motherboard of computers.
I might be slightly wrong in some of those definitions but the general idea is there. Hope you find this helpful :)
This is manifestly unfair! You should get the other students at the University together,
as I'm sure they are having the same problem, each in his own area. After all, there is
no "Advanced theoretical physics for complete beginners" class! The "Inorganic
Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics for the Utter Noobies" class is lacking, the
"Topology and Measure Theory in Modern Analysis for the total newcomer in
mathematics" class isn't given--these are scandals! Poor devil. We are so very
sorry for your troubles. We sob, we weep, we moan. Unite! Fight the experts!
>
> John (gnujohn)
You would do better to use Google and search for those terms. No one could possibly provide all the information you are asking for here.
I am currently in an introductory computer programming course. It is a requirement for my major. I've only had a few lectures so far. The prof is new at teaching this course and seems to have skipped over all the basics. I cannot go and see him as his office hours are during my other classes. Could someone please explain (as simply as possible. I have no prior knowledge of this stuff) terms such as a compiler, interpreter, cpu, etc. as well as any other helpful info/sources for learning to program in C++. Most of the websites i've found online are not really for beginners.
