Fundamentals of Programming

Q. What is programming?
A. Programming is the process of (1) algorithm development, (2) source code writing, and (3) testing, debugging and implementing the source code in a programming language.

Q. What is an algorithm?
A. An algorithm is a step by step 'recipe' representing the solution to a problem. Types of algorithm representation: flowcharts and pseudocodes.
The first step to becoming a good programmer is to learn the basics of algorithm development.

Q. What is a program?
A. A program is an algorithm implemented/written in a programming language.

Q. What is a programming language?
A. A language used to communicate to the computer. Learning a programming language is like learning any other language such as Spanish, German, etc. One needs to learn the key words (vocabulary) and syntax (grammar) in order to speak the language.
The second step to becoming a good programmer is to learn to speak the programming language.

Q. Who is a programmer?
A. Anyone who can communicate with the computer in a programming language is a programmer.
The third step to becoming a good programmer is like anything else: practice, practice, practice!

Other tips, advice, comments...
Learning and training to become a good programmer is difficult and requires a lot of diligent, hard work! Remember, when you feel like you are thrown into the deep end, just keep swimming!