What is Program: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A computer program is a collection of instructions that can be executed by a computer to perform a specific task.
A computer program is usually written by a computer programmer in a programming language. From the program in its human-readable form of source code, a compiler or assembler can derive machine code—a form consisting of instructions that the computer can directly execute. Alternatively, a computer program may be executed with the aid of an interpreter.
A collection of computer programs, libraries, and related data are referred to as software. Computer programs may be categorized along functional lines, such as application software and system software. The underlying method used for some calculation or manipulation is known as an algorithm.

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  1. fluidistic

    Open source program Sunsetter (chess related) doesn't compile

    Hi guys, I'm trying to compile an open source program (chess and chess variant engine) under linux but for some reason it doesn't work. I know almost nothing regarding programming so I don't know how to fix the problem. In a chess server I asked some programmers if they knew how to fix the...
  2. T

    How come I can program for fun but I can't math for fun?

    I've been programming for fun as a hobby for years, but with math, I have to put in so much effort and I get exhausted so easily. Why is that?
  3. T

    Writing Matlab program for Newton Raphson

    Homework Statement Two forces P and Q are applied at the end of a screw eye in order to remove the post. 1.)variations (plots) of P and Q versus (theta) for a given value. R=800 N 2.) for what value of theta we obtain P=Q? Homework Equations...
  4. J

    Simple program in assembly using Tiva C launchpad?

    Hey guys! I just got a new Tiva C MCU. It's architecture is ARM, and I have no experience programming in assembly using said architecture. To start, I'm trying to run a simple program that puts a value in a register. In an MSP430, the project I'm trying to do would look something like this...
  5. M

    Comp Sci Simple input output program C++

    I have a homework assignment that requires me to write a program in c++ to calculate GPA. The assignment wants then input of the grade to be in terms of just A B C, etc.. I'm just having trouble assigning a number value to the user input ie when the user inputs an A for their grade, I need the...
  6. Z

    Picking Engineering Program, choices

    So I'm very interested in mathematics and computer science, and I would like to work with complex algorithms and mathematical optimization of code I don't want to be a run-of-the-mill programmer. Not sure what the exact term is for what I described, anyone knows? Anyways what engineering degree...
  7. C

    Problem with infinite loop in c program

    Hi, I have a program that is entering a infinite loop in the last if else of this loop. The program is printing 3 endless times. Here is the code that generates it: else { for (j=1;j<n;j++) { if (j<=(n/2)) { a[1][j] = j-1; printf ("%d", a[1][j]); }...
  8. N

    NASA JPL Graduate Fellowship Program

    Has anyone here had any experience with the NASA JPL Graduate Fellowship Program? I am interested in applying for it, and was wondering how competitive it may be, or what the chances of getting it were. Does it depend on which lab you want to join? I am also a Canadian citizen attending a...
  9. J

    Program vs Script: Understanding the Differences and Purposes

    I am having this doubt for a long time and want to clear once and for all. Here are the questions: - 1) What is the difference between program and script? (I believe program is run on a machine while script is run on another software but still I want your answers in case I am wrong) 2) Why...
  10. S

    Python: Fun problem. Solving Program is Bugged. Why?

    I hope I'm in the right section. This part is not important but this is thought behind the program. If you have n-mathematicians and each has a secret number. How many phone calls have to be made for all mathematicians to know all numbers? In this brute force approach I, hypothesize that you...
  11. alexmahone

    MHB Is it a good idea to turn down a top graduate program?

    I'm an undergraduate studying math and will be applying to grad school in the future. The top graduate programs are MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Berkeley and Chicago. However, I doubt I would be near the top of the class at these places (if I got admitted, that is). This could have a...
  12. interhacker

    Can I get into a BS Physics program at MIT?

    Okay, so I am an international student (i.e not a citizen or resident of the U.S or Canada), and will probably need some financial aid. That makes it a lot harder to get into MIT from what I've heard. Anyway, is MIT even a possible goal for me, or am I being over-ambitious? Here are some of the...
  13. J

    No one has made a program to solve these yet?

    I'm going to try and be of aid to spammers and hackers by making a program that solves these: Can't be too hard. Here's a procedure I'm going to implement: Given an m x n array of pixels known to contain a letter among a bunch of noise, convert the pixels to their RGB values...
  14. A

    When I open a program the command prompt window opens only

    Hi all, I have just started to teach myself C and yesterday I did something awfully stupid. I wrote a source file, exexuted it and I didn't know why the cmd window only briefly appeared, I now know that the line 'system("pause") would of fixed this. Regardless, I went to my .exe created by my...
  15. B

    Does anyone know anything about Spacemaster Erasmus Mundus program?

    I am interested in applying to this program: http://spacemaster.eu/ and was wondering if anyone knows more about it. I am an American studying physics at a top research university. I didn't see many Americans among the students in the program and was wondering if they don't take many Americans...
  16. L

    Probability program equation in app.

    Hi there, I am getting an iphone/android app developed and there is a new part that needs to be programmed. A store can create a free offer and assign the random probability odds of winning that prize. If they create 3 offers for their restaurant with the following win odds.(they can have...
  17. A

    GRE Math Sub for Physics PhD program

    I am a rising junior in a US college and I plan to apply to a top physics PhD program. I am both a physics and a math major, and I am more interested in theoretic physics rather than experimental. So should I also take the GRE Math Subject Test?
  18. S

    Program that counts all the vertices in a given tree

    Homework Statement "Write a program that counts all the vertices in a given tree." Any language can be used. (I've been using Perl mostly but could do C too. C++ would be ok too, if it was significantly easier.) Homework Equations I've been trying to find this. I read if a tree has n...
  19. E

    MATLAB How can I optimize my MATLAB program to reduce processing time?

    Hello, I have a MATLAB code that contains a lot of for loops, and hence it is very slow, and takes hours and hours to get just initial results, which is very inefficient. I know writing the program in terms of vectors will fasten the process, however, I do not know how to write my program...
  20. A

    MHB Program for Approximating nth root of a Number

    I have a question for a programming exercise I'm working on for C. The problem is to "Write a program that uses Newton's method to approximate the nth root of a number to six decimal places." The problem also said to terminate after 100 trials if it failed to converge. Q1. What does "converge"...
  21. N

    Fortran How to read files while running fortran program?

    Hi, I am trying to run a simulation written mostly in Fortran on Linux. The User's Manual says that "To run a simulation one needs to read several input files." Then, it lists a bunch of files. I was wondering what it means by that and how I "read" the files? Thanks in advance, Naomi
  22. U

    Comp Sci To write a C++ program to find the factorial of a number

    Homework Statement To write a C++ program to find the factorial of the number input 'a'. Homework Equations the factorial evaluated is denoted as 'f' i is the counter The Attempt at a Solution Pls check if my program is correct...(here f is the value of factorial and a is the...
  23. M

    Would a PhD program be beneficial to me?

    I am an Undergraduate in Electrical Engineering. I have been in an internal struggle about a PhD; I am particularly interested in Applied physics programs since traditional physics programs bore me, and my interests include medicine. I have taken upperlevel physics in mechanics, E&M 1,intro...
  24. M

    Schools Review/Quality of NetMath program at UIUC (Grad School Preparation)

    Following my previous thread, it seems I don't have the background to apply to MS programs in mathematics directly since I was an undergraduate computer science major. If I need to supplement the courses I have taken in order to gain acceptance to a top program for an MS in mathematics, would...
  25. 2

    Help with a simple Python program

    Homework Statement Hello. I want to write a program which finds the largest number in the sequence typed in by the user. However, when I type in a number it not only gets printed as the input value but gets re-printed as if I have done the print function of that number (though the final answer...
  26. C

    Comp Sci Simple program to sketch graph in JAVA

    Homework Statement See code below: The Attempt at a Solution I am simply trying to get the code to work: When I try to compile, the terminal says that apparently the package ptolemy.plot.* package does not exist and so does not recognise statements like PlotFrame etc.. Why is this...
  27. A

    Terminal masters program and PhDd

    I have a question. If one decides to enroll in a terminal masters program (such as one designed for students with a full time job), then later leaves industry to pursue a PhD, how would that look on a PhD admittance committe vs taking the usual route of getting a masters with thesis first? Is...
  28. R

    A program where I can draw a function and calculate the integral?

    I borrowed a high-quality oscilloscope from Tektronix and when we did our measurements, I basically printscreened each new signal. If I had realized I could export the waveforms, I would have, but I didn't. Basically, I know what the function looks like, but I need to find its integral...
  29. D

    Help with MIPS Program - Sum of N & Print $sp Address

    Hello i need to write a program that computes the value of sum numbers using a recursive subroutine and also i need to print the address of $sp every few steps.. this is the code I've wrote so far but i can't get the result and i also don't know how to print $sp address .text...
  30. C

    Debating joining S.T.E.M program

    I'm going to be a sophomore in high school. Next summer I'm thinking about joining a S.T.E.M program it's 1,500 dollars. I don't know what to do. I could qualify for financal aid and/or a scholarship. I don't feel like a strong enough in those subjects.
  31. S

    Cal Poly Pomona Physics Program

    I was wondering if anyone attended here for their bachelors in Physics. I am trying to figure out which school to go to this Fall. I plan on attaining a PhD in what specific field, I do not know yet. I am a junior level transfer from a community college and am looking to get involved with...
  32. N

    Calculators Looking for a program for the Ti-84

    I'm looking for a program that can solve problems like this but ones that are more complex. http://i.imgur.com/8Rj8C4Q.jpg
  33. C

    Schools University of South Carolina's Nuclear Program

    Do you guys think USC has a decent nuclear engineering graduate program or should I consider somewhere else?
  34. B

    Java Need some help with an equation(s) for a basic Java program

    I am writing a basic program using Java. The function is to break up any number the user inputs into smaller values, the catch is that these smaller values have a maximum usage and the overall result has to use the combination with the highest amount of values. I am figuring out the code just...
  35. K

    Looking For a Certain Type of Math Program (OSX)

    Hello. I'm looking for a certain type of Math software that I'm not sure exists. Something like Microsoft Word - but specific to Math. Something that will allow me to mess around with algebra and arithmetic kind of like a calculator in Notepad or Word form. Preferably free. Sorry for the poor...
  36. A

    Need help on finding a program that can output transient curves as txt

    Hello! I'm currently working on a solenoid and trying to simulate the response of a ferrous rod in the coil. I've been using FEMM 4.2 for my magnetostatic simulations, and Pspice Schematics 9.1 for the circuit part. I was thinking of combining the two by using scripts to let FEMM run through...
  37. R

    What Training Should I Choose: PLC SCADA or Embedded Systems?

    sir, i am pursuing b.tech with electronics and communication stream in india. I have two trainings remaining one is of 45 days starting from next month and after 1 year in 8th sem, for 6 mnth. So i want to ask u that what should i do, either i do plc scada in 45 days and embedded in 6 mnth or...
  38. jegues

    Program for printing a list of PDF files

    I am trying to figure out if it would be possible to develop simple program to preform the following task: If I have a list of drawing numbers contained within excel an file as such, 1-02632-M-07502 0002/03 1-02632-M-07502 0003/02 1-02632-M-07502 0004/08 1-02632-M-07502 0005/02...
  39. Saladsamurai

    How to write a program to retrieve Web data

    Hello! :smile: So I have some basic programming skills, but I have never done anything that interacts with the web. Here at work, we have a website that we have to go to in order to check the statuses of all of the jobs we have open. The website is awful in that you cannot run a report on...
  40. J

    Python program help with my math code

    Hi I built this code that runs well. Is about calculating a student loan... The problem is that I wish I could create a table that will tell me in each column "payment number", "remaining balance", "interest amount", "principal amount" Can you help me do this? I am new to python and this is not...
  41. J

    Programs Is an MD/PhD Dual Degree Program Right for You?

    Has anyone in this forum started or finished this kind of program. If so, how did you get in? I imagine it requires perfect GPA and MCAT score, but is there other factors like what your major is or research done as an undergrad?
  42. O

    My Taylor Square Root C Program doesn't like me

    Homework Statement 4. Implement a simple method to find the square root of a double precision floating point number x. A simple method is to consider the error produced by a “guess” y of the solution. Square the value y and compare with the value x. If y is correct, the error e=|y2-x| where ||...
  43. hagopbul

    Troubleshooting Proxy Programs for Middle Eastern Users - A Guide

    hello all i live in middle east and we use a proxy programs ,free gate and tor , the problem is that tor is stopped any way to solve this and how we can re use it ?
  44. S

    Master's Program ways to increase my chances of getting in?

    I'm a senior undergrad at the University of Michigan- Dearborn. I am a math major with a minor in applied statistics. Now that I'm near graduation (Fall 2013), I am considering my grad school options. I really want to get into the University Of Michigan's (Ann Arbor) Applied Statistics program...
  45. A

    Looking to Apply to Medical Physics PhD Program

    I'm looking to apply for a PhD program in Medical Physics. I am currently majoring in Medical Physics, but my GPA is only a 3.33. I have been doing research and see people who are applying with much higher GPAs than mine. My question is: if I don't get accepted anywhere, what should I do?
  46. G

    Schools European university masters program admission process

    Looking at some German/Swiss masters programs (mainly computational mechanics in Stuttgart, München, Lausanne) but having a tough time figuring out the admission process for international students. Do they generally only look at your bachelor's degree GPA and nothing else or does other stuff...
  47. C

    Mathematics Necessary for Physics Graduate Program

    So I was wondering what mathematics I will need under my belt before starting at a brand name graduate school(MIT, UChicago, UC Berkely, CalTech, Harcard, etc...) if I were going to specialize in particle or soft-matter physics. Thank you!
  48. K

    Columbia or VCU Medical Physics Program?

    Columbia or VCU Medical Physics Program?? I was recently accepted to the Medical Physics Programs at Columbia and Virginia Commonwealth University. I am wondering if anyone has any insight on how the programs are at both of these schools. I know that Columbia obviously has a prestigious...
  49. D

    Write a program using Bisection method and method of false position.

    Hello everyone. I'm new here and I'm not not a computer science student. But, I have to take programming to complete my degree. So, now I'm in a great depression about this assignment. My lecturer ask me to write a program to find root of an equation f(x)=0 for specific f. Both methods are...
  50. L

    I'm trying to write a program that plots the riemann zeta function

    I saw a picture of what it might look like when I was researching it, but I'm confused about something. The picture's caption said that the complex coordinates were darkened as their value got larger, leading to a helpful graph, but I do not understand what scale they used. For my program, I...
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