In order to make the device work as the user needs, it must be programmed correctly (write a program for a computer, develop a logic circuit for an FPGA, write information to ROM, etc.). A large number of actions can be called programming, but in the usual sense it is writing computer programs.
In a narrow sense, programming (or coding) means writing programs (instructions for a computer) in a specific programming language according to the created algorithm. Usually, they have human-readable syntax. People who are engaged in programming are called programmers (coders or simply "coders"), and those who create algorithms are called algorithms. In a broad sense, programming should be understood as the whole range of activities that are associated with the creation and maintenance of software products (computer software) in working order. The most accurate is the modern term - "software engineering" (or simply "software engineering"). Specialists in this field are engaged in setting tasks, designing programs, building algorithms, writing program text, testing, debugging, documenting and maintaining. Any computer programming is based on the use of programming languages. To run a program on a computer, it is necessary to use translators that will translate a human-readable language (written program) into the language of machine instructions. There are two types of translators - interpreters and compilers. The main difference between them is that the first one immediately executes the program, while the second one simply translates it into the language of machine instructions, without further executing it. To run a program, it must first be compiled or interpreted. Previously, you had to write programs and then compile them separately, which complicated the testing and debugging process. Currently, there are various Integrated Development Environment. IDEs include editors for editing and entering program texts and various translators from different languages. In addition, they can include various other routines that facilitate the process of creating, testing and maintaining software products.
