Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Code refers to a set of instructions written in a programming language that tells the computer what tasks to perform. It is like a recipe for baking, where each step is written down so that anyone following the recipe can recreate the dish.
Programming Language: A programming language is a formal language used to write code that computers can understand and execute. It's like the vocabulary and grammar rules we use when writing recipes.
Instructions: Instructions are specific actions or tasks written in code that tell the computer what operations to perform. They are similar to the step-by-step directions in a recipe.
Execution: Execution refers to the process of running or carrying out the instructions written in code by a computer. It's like following all the steps in a recipe and actually baking the cookies.