Rather than writing pseudocode to program a command, it's meant to outline the logic of a command before you implement it using syntax. Pseudocode is meant to explain the logic of programming syntax using regular language. Programming syntax refers more specifically to the proper rules and guidelines of a given language in order to program a specific commands.

Syntax defines the structure of any given language. There are two general types of coding you will conduct as a programmer: proper code, requiring proper syntax, and pseudocode. Since interpreted code doesn't have to be compiled, it can also be used across different computer platforms. That link will be interpreted by the other computer via a web browser, but does not require explicit download or installation.

On the other hand, if you want Computer 2 to use your interpreted program, you can integrate JavaScript, an example scripting language, into a website and send Computer 2 a link to that website. If you want the person on Computer 2 to use a compiled program created in Computer 1, you compile your source code-meaning you convert your source code into machine code only readable by the computer-into an executable file which your computer must then download and run to use.Ī good way to remember this nuance is that code compiled into an executable file on a Windows PC cannot be used on a Mac. Let's say you've created an application on Computer 1, and want to send it to a person on Computer 2. Programming languages are compiled, while scripting languages are interpreted. While most beginners typically refer to all code as involving a programming language, there is a subtle binary distinction between a programming language and a scripting language.

'That's not a script, that's a language' is an age old adage in the programming world. IDE's are also particularly useful for object-oriented programming languages as well, such as C++, C, Ruby, and so on. That's when an IDE becomes most useful, since they integrate files, folders, and tools into one convenient (although often bulky) package. It's easy to keep track of a single HTML file modified by a single CSS style sheet, but more complicated projects require linking various languages, frameworks, and so on. While IDE's don't necessarily denote an easier or more difficult programming experience than a text editor, some swear by them because they facilitate key aspects of programming such as file linking. You're then meant to use these tools to create a product. The word environment in 'integrated development environment' is key: using an IDE means you're using several programming tools in one enclosed program. Whereas a text editor only focuses on the code you're writing, an IDE is a sandbox of sorts that allows you to write, compile (translate from text to computer speak), test, and debug (or correct) your application.

Basic computer programming terminology