Source code is a set of instructions, written in a special language, that tells a computer or website what to do. Code is like a recipe for computers.
Who writes it? People called programmers, using code editors on their computers. And you can learn too!
Source code can build so many awesome things: games, websites, apps, and even robots.
Here is a tiny example. In a game, a line of code might say "if the right key is pressed, move the character right." The code is the instructions, and the computer is the player following them.
So source code powers your world, and anyone can learn to write it.
Remember: source code is instructions for computers, programmers write it, it can build games and apps and robots, and anyone can learn to code.
What to remember
- Source code is instructions that tell a computer what to do.
- Programmers write it in a special language.
- It can build games, websites, apps, and robots.
- Anyone can learn to code.
Words to know
- Source code
- The written instructions that make software work.
- Programmer
- A person who writes code.
- Code editor
- The app used to write code.
- Programming language
- The special language code is written in.
For grown-ups
Source code is human-readable instructions in a programming language that are interpreted or compiled into running software. It is the editable 'recipe' behind every app, site, and device, and reading it is the first step from being a user to being a maker.
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