Programming or programing? This is a question that students, computer enthusiasts, and professionals have asked themselves at some point. We use the word “programming” to describe the activity and the result of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices. Alternatively, it is also used to refer to a list of events or activities or a plan of action for a certain purpose or to achieve a specific goal.
But why are there two different spellings of the word, and which one is correct?
In this article, we will explore the origin and history of the word “programming” and the reasons for the variation in spelling. We will also look at the meaning and usage of the word “programming” in different contexts and provide some examples of sentences using the word with different spellings.
Programing Or Programming: Which Is Correct?
‘Programming’ is the most common and accepted spelling in both British and American English. It is the present participle of the verb ‘program’ or ‘programme,’ which means to create, arrange, or provide a plan or a set of instructions for a computer, a machine, or an event.
‘Programing’ is a less common and less preferred spelling of the word. It is sometimes used in British English when referring to a specific software programming language. However, it is generally considered incorrect or outdated in most contexts.
Programing Or Programming: Origin And History
The spelling of the word “programming” has been a matter of debate among computer programmers and enthusiasts for a long time. Some people prefer to use the single “m” version, while others insist on the double “m” one. But what is the origin and history of this word, and why are there two different spellings?
The word “programming” comes from the word “program,” which in turn derives from the Greek word “programma,” meaning “a written public notice.” “Program” was first used in English in the 17th century to refer to a list of things to be done or a plan of action. It was also used to describe a set of instructions for a machine, such as a loom or a musical box, in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The word “programming” was first used in the 20th century to refer to the process of creating and modifying programs for computers. Over the years, the spelling of the word has gone through a lot of changes.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word was originally spelled with a single “m” in British English and with a double “m” in American English. However, both spellings have been used interchangeably in both varieties of English since the 1960s.
The reason for the variation in spelling is not clear, but some possible explanations are:
The word “programming” comes from the French word “programme”, which is the British spelling of the word “program”. The “programme” is spelled with a double “m” in French. Therefore, some people may have adopted the French spelling for the word “programming” as well.
Another explanation is that the word “programming” is influenced by the word “programmer,” which is the person who writes or modifies programs for computers. The word “programmer” is spelled with a double “m” in both British and American English Therefore, some people may have used the same spelling for the word “programming” as well.
Example Sentences Using Programing/Programming
Here are some example sentences using the word “programming” or “programing” in different contexts and with different spellings:
- I am learning programming as a hobby. (The activity of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices, double “m” spelling)
- He has a degree in programing from MIT. (The activity of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices, single “m” spelling)
- She is working on a programming project for her class. (The result of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices, double “m” spelling)
- They have developed a new programing language. (The result of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices, single “m” spelling)
- A professional team did the programming of the concert. (The process of planning or scheduling events or activities, double “m” spelling)
- He is responsible for deciding the programmes at the radio station. (The process of planning or scheduling events or activities, single “m” spelling)
- She underwent programming by a cult leader. (The influence of external factors or agents on someone’s behavior or thoughts, double “m” spelling)
- He is trying to overcome the programing of his abusive parents. (The influence of external factors or agents on someone’s behavior or thoughts, single “m” spelling)
Programming: Meaning And Usage
The meaning and usage of the word “programming” depends on the context and the audience. Generally, the word “programming” can have two main meanings. These are as follows:
- The activity of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices. For example, “I enjoy programming in Python” or “She is studying programming at university.”
- The result of creating and modifying programs for computers or other devices. For example, “This is a programming project I did for school” or “He is an expert in programming languages.”
The word “programming” can also have other meanings in different fields or domains, such as:
- The process of planning or scheduling events or activities. For example, “The committee did the programming of the festival,” or “She is in charge of the programming for the TV channel.”
- The influence of external factors or agents on someone’s behavior or thoughts. For example, “He was a victim of programming by a cult” or “She is trying to break free from the programming of her parents.”
The usage of the word “programming” can vary depending on the spelling preference of the writer or the speaker. As explained in the previous section, there are two common spellings of the word: “programming” with a double “m” and “programing” with a single “m”. Both spellings are acceptable and widely used in different contexts and regions, but some people may have personal preferences or opinions on which spelling they like better or think is more appropriate.
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