🖥️ What is Programming? Understanding the Basics with Simple Examples

📌 Introduction

Programming is all about giving computers a set of instructions to execute. Think of it like following a recipe, but with added flexibility—programs can make decisions and repeat actions based on different conditions. In this post, we’ll break down the three fundamental concepts of programming: Sequence, Selection, and Iteration. 🚀

🔍 What is Programming?

Programming is the process of writing instructions that computers follow to perform tasks. These instructions are written in programming languages and must be clear and structured properly for the computer to understand.

📜 1️⃣ Sequence – Step-by-Step Execution

Just like following a recipe, computers execute commands in a sequence. Each line of code runs one after another, creating a structured flow.

👉 Example:

print("Welcome to the ATM")

print("Please insert your card")

print("Enter your PIN")

🛠️ Here, the computer follows each step in order, just like a set of cooking instructions.

🔀 2️⃣ Selection – Making Decisions

Sometimes, we need our programs to behave differently based on conditions. This is called selection (also known as conditional statements).

👉 Example:

balance = 100
withdraw = int(input(“Enter withdrawal amount: “))

if withdraw <= balance:
print(“Transaction Approved!”)
else:
print(“Insufficient Funds!”)

✅ If the withdrawal amount is less than or equal to the balance, the transaction is approved. ❌ Otherwise, the program displays “Insufficient Funds”.

🔄 3️⃣ Iteration – Loops in Programming

Iteration allows us to repeat a set of instructions multiple times. Think of an ATM—after one customer finishes, the system loops back to serve the next user.

👉 Example:

balance = 100
withdraw = int(input(“Enter withdrawal amount: “))

if withdraw <= balance:
print(“Transaction Approved!”)
else:
print(“Insufficient Funds!”)

🔄 This loop keeps running until the user enters “exit”, just like an ATM waiting for customers.

🎯 Key Takeaways

✅ Sequence: Instructions execute one after another
✅ Selection: The program makes decisions using conditions
✅ Iteration: The program repeats tasks using loops

By mastering these three concepts, you’re already on your way to understanding programming! 🚀

🔗 Want to Learn More?

Check out these beginner-friendly resources: