What Is Source Code?

Source code refers to the programming language one uses to write a program. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of forms of source code. Some computer languages include C++, Java, and Unix. Often people refer to source code of websites, which means programming conducted in HTML and possibly Java.

In most Internet browsers, one has the option of viewing an Internet page in source code format. This is actually quite helpful for people learning to program in HTML. One can look at source code and figure out how to do a table, construct a list, or make a hyperlink. People often use source code from websites they like to achieve a similar look to a page they are constructing.

While it is fine to use source code to create different things like tables, columns or separations on a website, it is important not to copy graphics that come from source code or other websites, unless they are free to use. This would come under the heading of Internet plagiarism, and could lead to problems for one’s new website. Thus source code can be used to learn how to do something, but should never completely copy text or pictures.

In HTML, source code can be differentiated from text and pictures, as code instructions will almost always initiate in < > format. If one views the source code of this page, one will note that the above bold word of "views" is surrounded by code. This is because HTML requires this information in source code in order to present the word in bold format.

When viewing the source code, it may be noted that all hyperlinks are surrounded by source code instructions. Each paragraph begins and ends with

, meaning "paragraph." In order to italicize a word, the word is put between and . Often the "/" is taken to mean one is ending a particular set of instructions.

Note that many word processing programs may not be appropriate for writing HTML source code. Many do not recognize some of the symbols used, like quotation marks. Often one can obtain free programs, which allow the user to write source code that is easy to upload to an Internet site. As well, many website programming programs exist for purchase and may eliminate the need to know a lot of source code.

Why Major in Computer Programming?

Since their initiation a few decades ago, computers have come a long way. With advancements in technology, new educational opportunities as well as careers to go with them have come into being. Surely it can safely be said that the world is one which is widely shaped by the presence of computers. In fact, there are few facets of life that go unaffected by computer technology. However, computers, like any other kind of technology, need repair and maintenance because of their inherent flaws. Among other computer-related vocations, the world needs people that are computer savvy to receive a major in computer programming. With an education in this field, you can ease the stress of people who are less computer-literate and make the lives of those around you less hectic.

There are many subcategories of computer training. The path you choose as you pursue a major in computer programming can determine what specific field you will be eligible to enter. Computer programming is a category that appears to be a flourishing field with no diminishing factors in sight. As a computer programmer, you would develop, test and maintain programs that allow computers to function the way they do. In your educational pursuits, you would learn all about creating new languages for computers to be able to complete increasingly complicated tasks. With your degree in computer programming, you can begin down the path to creating intuitive and ground-breaking technological inventions. What an exciting prospect!

The most common employers of people with a major in computer programming are software development companies. These can be anything from basic software and games to educational packages and operating systems. People who have a strong technical background and ability to understand and make the desires of clients a reality are always in demand. Graduates with a major in computer programming can look forward to working with fast-paced technological companies like multimedia firms, wireless applications and cyber security. Your major will not only turn into a satisfying career for yourself, but one that allows you to help others be more productive.

If you are a student who has as interest in math, the sciences and an aptitude for problem solving with your analytical skills, a major in computer programming could be utterly perfect for you. The stability of a career in this field is another obvious benefit. Computers, as they have become integrated into everything you do on a daily basis, are clearly not going anywhere. You might select an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in computer programming. Some employers are looking for a certain level of education while others put a higher focus on experience.

Top 10 Computer Programming Jobs & Career Pathways

1)Design and build security software. In this case, what is mostly focused on is the concept of building software to give computer users added security when browsing the internet. This is one of the most common computer programming jobs and career pathways that graduates choose to take.

2)Design and build computer interfaces. This is another common pursuit after graduation, one that entails working with a company on a variety of scales. Everything from government and banking to the health care industry could be your focus.

3)Devise new ways to use computers. Innovation in the world of technology as we know it is up to computer programmers who have completed advanced graduate work.

4)Develop ways to solve computer problems. No initial design in computing is without flaws. This computer programming career pathway requires the knowledge of algorithms to solve intense computational problems.

5)Hold a position at a research and development laboratory. This is an option after completing graduate work and is the location where new inventions are turned out daily in the category of computer programming.

6)Plan and manage organization technology. This is one of the computer programming jobs and career pathways that aim to educate students in information technology.

7)Design and develop games. The entertainment category is extensive when it comes to computer programming. Your career could involve creating and testing video games and educational games for children.

8)Develop applications. People who are not computer savvy take the presence of useful applications for granted. As a programmer, you could follow one of the computer programming jobs and career pathways that lead to the development of applications for everyday use.

9)Engineer software or hardware. The programs and operating systems that people buy every day are created by computer programmers. You could choose to take this path once you graduate. Usually a bachelor’s degree is the level of education required here.

10)Program web-based computer programs. Using a variety of tools and technologies, this computer programming job allows you to convert your problem-solving skills into logical programming.

The Future Of Computer Programming

When it comes to the world of computer programming, it would be safe to say that the future is bright. And why is that so? Gone are the days when only the rich and powerful have the tools to educate themselves. Nowadays, a single household possesses at least one computer. There are a lot of brilliant minds out there who are constantly on their toes to bring about the latest developments in computer programming.

To make their dream a reality, it is necessary to begin where all computer programmers begin-at grade school. Computer programming is now being introduced to the youngest minds. Educational materials that are targeting languages in programming and also development tools are now being introduced in most schools’ curriculums.

But this is still an ongoing vision. Somewhere in the near future, computer programming (not just computer usage) will be just another ordinary subject such as writing, reading or arithmetic. A study shows that this vision is slowly unfolding as teenagers are responding positively to programming exercises and are even able to control several virtual worlds in just a few days.

Mass computer programming literacy is a work in progress. When even the most simple citizen is able to explain the designs of software with ease, then creativity will abound and so with productivity. But what is computer programming in the future? Is it more on art or engineering? Or both?

One renowned computer architect named Gordon Morrison states that computer programming is recently in a form of art. When this is so, it means that the current knowledge in programming is disorganized and changeable. He proposes further that in changing programming into engineering (which is a more precise form) then the future of programming will become more stable.

Perhaps, one good way to predict the future of programming is by looking at the available jobs for computer programmers these days. Consider these career options: a single system programmer is able to install and maintain mainframe ops systems, management software for databases, and also networks for communications. They can also become compilers or utility programmers.

Another good way to foretell what is in store for computer programming is to look at the television and some science fiction films that are being produced lately. In the past, the TV series called The New Adventures of Wonder Woman showed talking computers and robots which were causes of awe. Today, those are not impossibilities.

The use of hardware has progressed tremendously over the past years and software development is tailing behind. Software processes are still on the if-and-then phase and users are wondering whether this will really change. Although there are predictions that programming languages would soon be on its fifth generation (where the recent languages would become obsolete), still, this visualization still hasn’t pushed through. Which leads others to ask, has software development reached its peak? Will there be no more developments? Is this as far as it could go?

Sure, there are modernizations here and there when it comes to new languages but they remain at a certain phase. It doesn’t go a notch higher. Perhaps, software would be the technological limit that would cap computer programming advancement. But only perhaps.There are always minds out there that constantly grind to provide the latest in programming innovation.

COBOL Sub Programming Strategy

Software shops that employ COBOL but do not employ object-oriented COBOL development techniques are required to produce considerable amounts of COBOL source code. For each function COBOL code must be edited, created, maintained, and compiled for usage.

In the early to mid seventies I discovered a way to subrogate monolithic COBOL code segments into COBOL sub programs. First I had to understand that each sub program needed to be linked with the ncal, let and list options so they would reside the Load Partition Data Set (LPDS) properly. These sub programs may be used in an unlimited number of end user COBOL applications. Their existence lends itself to re usability of COBOL code.

The ncal option told the linkage editor that this program was never to be called as you would call a stand alone COBOL program. The let option told the linkage editor that external reference errors were permitted in this particular scenario. The list object produced the symbols list of the subprogram which would be require to debug the resulting application.

Without this approach all COBOL source code is compiled and the compiled results would be stored in an Object Partitioned Data Set (OPDS). The resulting objects would then be used as input to the linkage editor. The Load Partitioned Data Set (LPDS) is still required to house the end resulting executable COBOL code. This approach eliminated the need for an Object Partitioned Data Set (OPDS).

The second revelation was that the master or driver program which would be responsible for accessing the associated sub program source codes. This was accomplished via a call statement in the procedure division. Also any associated data as well as the calling protocol structure would be defined in the linkage section of the COBOL program. The linkage section allows for successful passing of data to and from the main program.

This driver program serves the function of a digital traffic cop for the application. When it is prepared for execution all external references (calls to sub programs) are resolved and errors other than warnings are not tolerated. Those external references are the aforementioned members of the Load Partitioned Data Set (LPDS). Upon successful linkage editing of the main and sub programs the end resulting program is ready for production.