Computer programming is the set of instructions that are written in code and is used within an application, computer, or network to direct the machine to do a certain task. Computer programmers write the code, and through the process, that code instructs an application, or software program, exactly what it is supposed to do. Computer programming is the broad term used for all types of software programming that tells the computer what it is supposed to do. When you move your cursor to put your PC to sleep or to restart or shut down, you're clicking on a visual button written with computer programming.