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A computer program is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a specific task. Programs are written in human-readable programming languages and are then translated into machine-readable code for the computer's processor to execute. They are the fundamental components of software and are used for everything from word processing and gaming to managing operating systems, says Lenovo.

Key descriptions and concepts

Instructions: A program is a series of commands that tell a computer exactly what to do, step-by-step.

Source vs. Executable Code: Programs exist in two forms: the human-readable source code, written in a programming language like Python or Java, and the machine code, which is the binary format the computer's processor understands and executes directly.

Software vs. Program: A single program performs a specific function. Software is a collection of one or more programs, along with data and libraries, that work together to achieve a larger goal.