Ex.1. Read the text and then put these programming steps into the correct order

Document and maintain the program. Test the program and detect bugs. Make flowchart. Write code and compile. Analyze the problem Debug and correct it if necessary.

Programming is the process of writing a program using a computer language. A program is a set of instructions which a computer uses to do a specific task (e.g. a solution to a maths problem). The only language a PC can directly execute is machine code, which consists of ls and 0s. This language is difficult to write, so we use symbolic languages that are easier to understand. For example, assembly languages use abbreviations such as ADD, SUB, MPY to represent instructions. The program is then translated into machine code by software called an assembler. Machine code and assembly languages are called low-level languages because they are closer to the hardware. Each statement in a program written in a low-level language usually corresponds to one machine instruction. Assembly language might be used for any of three major reasons: speed, control, and preference. Programs written in assembly language usually run faster than those generated by a compiler; use of assembly language lets a programmer interact directly with the hardware (processor, memory, display, and input/output ports).

Compiled language is a language that is translated into machine code prior to any execution, as opposed to an interpreted language, which is translated and executed statement by statement.

High-level languages, however, are closer to human languages; they use forms resembling English, which makes programming easier. The program is translated into machine code by software called a compiler. Some examples are: FORTRAN – used for scientific and mathematical applications; COBOL – popular for business applications; BASIC – used as a teaching language; Visual BASIC is now used to create Windows applications; C – used to write system software, graphics and commercial programs; Java – designed to run on the Web; Java applets are small programs that run automatically on web pages and let you watch animated characters, and play music and games.

The languages used to create Web documents are called markup languages; they use instructions (markups) to format and link text files. Examples are: HTML – the code used to create Web pages; VoiceXML – it makes the Internet content accessible via speech recognition and phone. Instead of using a web browser on a PC, you use a telephone to access voice-equipped websites. You just dial the phone number of the website and then give spoken instructions, commands, and get the required information.