What is a computer program?

A computer program is fundamentally understood as a sequence of instructions executed by a computer. This definition captures the essence of what a program is designed to do: it provides a structured set of commands and logic that the computer follows to perform specific tasks, such as calculations, data processing, or even control of hardware components.

When a computer runs a program, it systematically interprets and executes these instructions, leading to desired outcomes like displaying information on the screen or storing data. This concept is vital in computer science and programming, as it underlines the role of programs as the driving force behind how computers operate, transforming mere hardware into functional systems that accomplish complex tasks.

While hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer, and programming languages are tools used to create programs, these do not encapsulate the essence of a computer program itself. Similarly, while both the physical components and the programming languages are important in the computing environment, it is the sequence of instructions that forms the core definition of a program.