March 3, 2009, I’m in the middle of writing a series of programs that a computerized mechanism/chip can describe (in detail) what those instructions are, for that specific device to perform. Being computer illiterate, I need those functions described, using my everyday language. Will someone, please, respond so that our discussion will continue? Sincerely, Louie

I need those functions described, using my everyday language. Will someone, please, respond so that our discussion will continue?

? I'll attempt to respond, but first I'll need your question rephrased in my everyday language that I can understand. :) Seriously, I don't understand what you are asking for.

In the meantime, as a starting point to build on, what follows is a general gist of how computers are typically programmed/software is created. First a programming language is chosen. Some common ones are BASIC, C/C++/C# and JAVA. Then using the logical constructs of the language, a sequence of steps are defined, a program, that when executed by the computer, the desired functionality is achieved. Once the program is crafted, all the program statements (code) are compiled or interpreted by utility software called a compiler or interpreter. The compiler/interpreter translates the human readable program into machine instructions for the target processor, such as an Intel Pentium, that will be used to execute the program. The output usually is a file, such as NOTEPAD.EXE, that can be loaded into the computer's memory, usually by an operating system, and executed by the processor.

Functions, in the context of a programming language, are a series of statements that, well, perform a function and can be logically grouped and referred to within the program as a unit. For instance, if while writing a program, it was noticed that the same sequence of statements was being repeated over and over again throughout the program, those statements could be grouped as a function and then when needed called from anywhere else in the program.

For an example of C and Perl code before it is compiled/interpreted, see Wikipedia - "Hello World" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hello_world_program).

I have to agree that your question doesn't provide enough info to give a good answer. I am, however going to provide some additnal info that may help you correctly formulate your question.

A computer is basically a device that is composed of a bunch of switches that are either on or off. The on/off state is represented by the 0s and 1s of the binary numbering system. A computer program sets these switches on and off depending on what it is required for the computer to do.

A computer programming language allows the programmer to create code at a higher level the then setting the switches on and off directly. For example the following statement:

If Age > 17 Then
Agestatus = "Adult"
Else
Agestatus = "Minor"
End If

Checks a person's age and marks their status as Minor or Adult.

Now, can you better explain what you are doing and what help you need doing it?

It sounds like you're trying to write some sort of compiler. This isn't a job for a computer illiterate. It can take years to perfect those skills.