Computer programs (also software programs, or just programs) are instructions for a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute the instructions.

The same program in its human-readable source code form, from which executable programs are derived (e.g., compiled), enables a programmer to study and develop the algorithm. Computer source code is often written by professional computer programmers. Source code is written in a programming language that usually follows one of two main paradigms: imperative or declarative programming.

Source code may be converted into an executable file (sometimes called an executable program or a binary) by a compiler. Alternatively, computer programs may be executed by a central processing unit with the aid of an interpreter, or may be embedded directly into hardware (in which case it is more widely known under the term 'firmware', as something 'between' software and hardware). Computer programs may be categorized along functional lines: system software and application software.

And many computer programs may run simultaneously on a single computer, a process known as multitasking.

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