What does the word instruction mean in programming?
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A computer program is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
I have checked on the English dictionary the meaning of instruction in programming but I think it is wrong.
Here is the link to the English dictionary with the word instruction.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dictionary.cambridge.org/amp/english/instruction
Using the link can someone tell me what instructions means using the link given.
programming
|
show 2 more comments
A computer program is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
I have checked on the English dictionary the meaning of instruction in programming but I think it is wrong.
Here is the link to the English dictionary with the word instruction.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dictionary.cambridge.org/amp/english/instruction
Using the link can someone tell me what instructions means using the link given.
programming
Why do you think the meaning is wrong?
– TaliesinMerlin
May 20 at 15:56
1
In the given link scroll down the Business English section and look at the third definition - [IT] a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something . Why do you think it's wrong?
– KillingTime
May 20 at 15:59
It has a very specific meaning in computing, but it's the same general concept. One thing (a program) telling another thing (a computer) what to do. In your link (first example), it is one thing (the policeman's boss or a set of rules) telling another thing (the policeman) what to do. For specific terms, you could try a specific dictionary.
– Pam
May 20 at 16:00
I think it is because of the context. That is why I think the meaning is wrong? Please use the link given and tell me the meaning of the word instruction in programming.
– ALLAN KIZA
May 20 at 16:00
1
The Oxford Dictionaries entry for instruction has "1.2 Computing A code in a program which defines and carries out an operation."
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 16:25
|
show 2 more comments
A computer program is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
I have checked on the English dictionary the meaning of instruction in programming but I think it is wrong.
Here is the link to the English dictionary with the word instruction.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dictionary.cambridge.org/amp/english/instruction
Using the link can someone tell me what instructions means using the link given.
programming
A computer program is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
I have checked on the English dictionary the meaning of instruction in programming but I think it is wrong.
Here is the link to the English dictionary with the word instruction.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dictionary.cambridge.org/amp/english/instruction
Using the link can someone tell me what instructions means using the link given.
programming
programming
asked May 20 at 15:52
ALLAN KIZAALLAN KIZA
62 bronze badges
62 bronze badges
Why do you think the meaning is wrong?
– TaliesinMerlin
May 20 at 15:56
1
In the given link scroll down the Business English section and look at the third definition - [IT] a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something . Why do you think it's wrong?
– KillingTime
May 20 at 15:59
It has a very specific meaning in computing, but it's the same general concept. One thing (a program) telling another thing (a computer) what to do. In your link (first example), it is one thing (the policeman's boss or a set of rules) telling another thing (the policeman) what to do. For specific terms, you could try a specific dictionary.
– Pam
May 20 at 16:00
I think it is because of the context. That is why I think the meaning is wrong? Please use the link given and tell me the meaning of the word instruction in programming.
– ALLAN KIZA
May 20 at 16:00
1
The Oxford Dictionaries entry for instruction has "1.2 Computing A code in a program which defines and carries out an operation."
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 16:25
|
show 2 more comments
Why do you think the meaning is wrong?
– TaliesinMerlin
May 20 at 15:56
1
In the given link scroll down the Business English section and look at the third definition - [IT] a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something . Why do you think it's wrong?
– KillingTime
May 20 at 15:59
It has a very specific meaning in computing, but it's the same general concept. One thing (a program) telling another thing (a computer) what to do. In your link (first example), it is one thing (the policeman's boss or a set of rules) telling another thing (the policeman) what to do. For specific terms, you could try a specific dictionary.
– Pam
May 20 at 16:00
I think it is because of the context. That is why I think the meaning is wrong? Please use the link given and tell me the meaning of the word instruction in programming.
– ALLAN KIZA
May 20 at 16:00
1
The Oxford Dictionaries entry for instruction has "1.2 Computing A code in a program which defines and carries out an operation."
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 16:25
Why do you think the meaning is wrong?
– TaliesinMerlin
May 20 at 15:56
Why do you think the meaning is wrong?
– TaliesinMerlin
May 20 at 15:56
1
1
In the given link scroll down the Business English section and look at the third definition - [IT] a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something . Why do you think it's wrong?
– KillingTime
May 20 at 15:59
In the given link scroll down the Business English section and look at the third definition - [IT] a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something . Why do you think it's wrong?
– KillingTime
May 20 at 15:59
It has a very specific meaning in computing, but it's the same general concept. One thing (a program) telling another thing (a computer) what to do. In your link (first example), it is one thing (the policeman's boss or a set of rules) telling another thing (the policeman) what to do. For specific terms, you could try a specific dictionary.
– Pam
May 20 at 16:00
It has a very specific meaning in computing, but it's the same general concept. One thing (a program) telling another thing (a computer) what to do. In your link (first example), it is one thing (the policeman's boss or a set of rules) telling another thing (the policeman) what to do. For specific terms, you could try a specific dictionary.
– Pam
May 20 at 16:00
I think it is because of the context. That is why I think the meaning is wrong? Please use the link given and tell me the meaning of the word instruction in programming.
– ALLAN KIZA
May 20 at 16:00
I think it is because of the context. That is why I think the meaning is wrong? Please use the link given and tell me the meaning of the word instruction in programming.
– ALLAN KIZA
May 20 at 16:00
1
1
The Oxford Dictionaries entry for instruction has "1.2 Computing A code in a program which defines and carries out an operation."
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 16:25
The Oxford Dictionaries entry for instruction has "1.2 Computing A code in a program which defines and carries out an operation."
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 16:25
|
show 2 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
A computer instruction is an action that a computer already knows how to perform, and that is not like the sense we use for the word "instruction" otherwise. You can't tell a computer about one of its instructions by instructing it. So I agree that using "instruction" for the elementary actions of a computer is confusing.
However, that is the convention for interpreting "computer instruction", so we just have to construct dictionaries with a special clause for this separate sense of "instruction" used for interpreting "computer instruction".
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
add a comment |
An instruction for programming is a line or lines of code to be executed by the computer. An example for computer instructions given by professors is "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich". You must give the computer explicit instructions such as 'Lift up the jar of peanut butter.', 'Place your hand, palm down on the lid, grasp it and turn clockwise.." You get the idea. Some instructions are also in a much lower level language closer to the binary '10110'.
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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active
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
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A computer instruction is an action that a computer already knows how to perform, and that is not like the sense we use for the word "instruction" otherwise. You can't tell a computer about one of its instructions by instructing it. So I agree that using "instruction" for the elementary actions of a computer is confusing.
However, that is the convention for interpreting "computer instruction", so we just have to construct dictionaries with a special clause for this separate sense of "instruction" used for interpreting "computer instruction".
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
add a comment |
A computer instruction is an action that a computer already knows how to perform, and that is not like the sense we use for the word "instruction" otherwise. You can't tell a computer about one of its instructions by instructing it. So I agree that using "instruction" for the elementary actions of a computer is confusing.
However, that is the convention for interpreting "computer instruction", so we just have to construct dictionaries with a special clause for this separate sense of "instruction" used for interpreting "computer instruction".
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
add a comment |
A computer instruction is an action that a computer already knows how to perform, and that is not like the sense we use for the word "instruction" otherwise. You can't tell a computer about one of its instructions by instructing it. So I agree that using "instruction" for the elementary actions of a computer is confusing.
However, that is the convention for interpreting "computer instruction", so we just have to construct dictionaries with a special clause for this separate sense of "instruction" used for interpreting "computer instruction".
A computer instruction is an action that a computer already knows how to perform, and that is not like the sense we use for the word "instruction" otherwise. You can't tell a computer about one of its instructions by instructing it. So I agree that using "instruction" for the elementary actions of a computer is confusing.
However, that is the convention for interpreting "computer instruction", so we just have to construct dictionaries with a special clause for this separate sense of "instruction" used for interpreting "computer instruction".
answered May 20 at 16:51
Greg LeeGreg Lee
15.4k2 gold badges10 silver badges34 bronze badges
15.4k2 gold badges10 silver badges34 bronze badges
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
add a comment |
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
I don't think there is much difference. If the person or the computer does not understand the instruction, it must be presented as a set of component instructions which are understood. Although a person can go away and learn what an unknown instruction means, computers are moving that way too, although there is a lowest level of instruction which it is impossible to go beyond.
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 17:19
add a comment |
An instruction for programming is a line or lines of code to be executed by the computer. An example for computer instructions given by professors is "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich". You must give the computer explicit instructions such as 'Lift up the jar of peanut butter.', 'Place your hand, palm down on the lid, grasp it and turn clockwise.." You get the idea. Some instructions are also in a much lower level language closer to the binary '10110'.
add a comment |
An instruction for programming is a line or lines of code to be executed by the computer. An example for computer instructions given by professors is "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich". You must give the computer explicit instructions such as 'Lift up the jar of peanut butter.', 'Place your hand, palm down on the lid, grasp it and turn clockwise.." You get the idea. Some instructions are also in a much lower level language closer to the binary '10110'.
add a comment |
An instruction for programming is a line or lines of code to be executed by the computer. An example for computer instructions given by professors is "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich". You must give the computer explicit instructions such as 'Lift up the jar of peanut butter.', 'Place your hand, palm down on the lid, grasp it and turn clockwise.." You get the idea. Some instructions are also in a much lower level language closer to the binary '10110'.
An instruction for programming is a line or lines of code to be executed by the computer. An example for computer instructions given by professors is "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich". You must give the computer explicit instructions such as 'Lift up the jar of peanut butter.', 'Place your hand, palm down on the lid, grasp it and turn clockwise.." You get the idea. Some instructions are also in a much lower level language closer to the binary '10110'.
answered May 20 at 19:56
Beth LBeth L
1
1
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add a comment |
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Why do you think the meaning is wrong?
– TaliesinMerlin
May 20 at 15:56
1
In the given link scroll down the Business English section and look at the third definition - [IT] a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something . Why do you think it's wrong?
– KillingTime
May 20 at 15:59
It has a very specific meaning in computing, but it's the same general concept. One thing (a program) telling another thing (a computer) what to do. In your link (first example), it is one thing (the policeman's boss or a set of rules) telling another thing (the policeman) what to do. For specific terms, you could try a specific dictionary.
– Pam
May 20 at 16:00
I think it is because of the context. That is why I think the meaning is wrong? Please use the link given and tell me the meaning of the word instruction in programming.
– ALLAN KIZA
May 20 at 16:00
1
The Oxford Dictionaries entry for instruction has "1.2 Computing A code in a program which defines and carries out an operation."
– Weather Vane
May 20 at 16:25