Tech Topic Connection: “How Programming Languages Power Everything”
Let's face it. Programming languages are the magic wands of tech. Without them, computers are just fancy paperweights. After dabbling in Scratch and learning the fundamentals of information technology these past few weeks, I can confidently say programming languages are at the core of everything we’ve studied, from how systems work to how apps run and networks stay secure.
We started our journey with Scratch, and though it was drag-and-drop, it taught me how programming logic flows. That experience tied directly into understanding machine languages, assembly, and high-level languages like Python or Java. As our course text highlights, machine language talks directly to the hardware, while high-level languages make coding easier for humans to understand and use (Vahid & Lysecky, 2017). I am all about making life easier!
The connection between programming and hardware was another eye-opener. Every time we write a line of code, it’s eventually broken down into instructions the processor can execute. Whether you’re writing in Python or JavaScript, your code is controlling how hardware components like the CPU and memory behave. That is fascinating when you think about it, your words literally tell the machine what to do!
When we talked about application software, like word processors and spreadsheets, it hit me, those apps were all created using programming languages. The same goes for the Disney Dreamlight Valley app I critiqued. It wouldn’t exist without a backend coded in something like C++ or Java, and a frontend written in JavaScript or Swift. Software wouldn’t exist without programmers behind the scenes, typing life into lines of code (Sestoft, 2017).
Even databases and network protocols rely on programming. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a whole programming language used just for databases. Whether I’m managing user info or pulling records, SQL helps me talk to that database. And on the networking side? Security software, encryption algorithms, firewalls, all rely on coded logic to function. Languages like Python and C are frequently used in cybersecurity because of their flexibility and speed (Williams et al., 2018).
Programming languages are not just one piece of the puzzle, they are the entire vibe. They drive the operating systems, the apps, the networks, and the data. And honestly? I feel like I’m finally learning to speak the language of machines, and I’m just getting started.
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