Programming for All: Understanding the ...

Computer programs are part of our daily life, we use them, we provide themwith data, they support our decisions, they help us remember, they controlmachines, etc. Programs are made by people, but in most cases we are not theirauthors, so we have to decide if we can trust them. Programs enable computersand computer-controlled machines to behave in a large variety of ways. Theybring the intrinsic power of computers to life. Programs have a variety ofproperties that all citizens must be aware of. Due to the intangible nature ofprograms, most of these properties are very unusual, but important tounderstand the digital world. In this position paper, we describe the Nature ofPrograms in the form of knowledge statements, accompanied by examples fromeveryday life to clarify their meaning. Everything is formulated in an easilyunderstandable manner and avoids obscure technical language. We suggest thatthese knowledge statements must be imparted to all teachers and schoolstudents.

A great way to learn and experience the nature of programs is to developprograms yourself.