Emil Gerlach | About Dev and Programming

About Dev

what does 'dev' and 'programming' mean?

'Dev' is short for 'Development' or 'Developer.' When you develop something, you create software or digital solutions.
Programming is the process of writing instructions that tell a computer what to do. It uses programming languages to solve problems, automate tasks, or build software. Good programming blends logic, creativity, and testing to create reliable, useful programs.

how to start coding?

Start small: choose a beginner-friendly language (e.g., Python or JavaScript), set up a simple development environment, and follow a short tutorial that produces a working project. Practice regularly with mini-projects (calculator, to-do list, small game), read and write clear, commented code, and use platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or local meetups for feedback. Important: stick with it, treat mistakes as learning opportunities, and gradually deepen core concepts (variables, control structures, functions, simple data structures). Once you know the absolute basics (functions, loops, variables, ...), just begin with your own small project - learning by building is the fastest way to improve!

important technical terms in dev

In the world of development, there are several key technical terms. I will try to explain some of them briefly:

Algorithm:
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or completing a task.

Data Structure:
A method for efficiently storing and organizing data, such as arrays, lists, stacks, or queues.

Variables, Functions, Loops, and Error Handling:
Fundamental concepts in programming that involve storing data (variables), creating reusable code blocks (functions), repeating actions (loops), and managing errors or unexpected situations in the code (error handling).

Debugging:
The process of finding and fixing bugs or errors in the code.

API (Application Programming Interface):
A set of functions and protocols that allows software to communicate with each other.

Version Control:
A system like Git that allows developers to track changes to their code and collaborate with others.

Framework:
A collection of pre-written code and best practices that help developers build applications faster.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment):
A software application for developers to to write, test, and debug code. A popular IDE is Visual Studio Code.

Database:
A structured system for storing and managing data, often using languages like SQL to query and manipulate the data.

Cloud Computing:
The delivery of computing services (such as storage, processing, and databases) over the internet, allowing for scalability and flexibility.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment):
A software application for developers to to write, test, and debug code. A popular IDE is Visual Studio Code.

just a short quote:

Computer is always right and makes no mistakes.
It just follows instructions - even the wrong ones.

thanks for reading - last changes: 21. September 2025

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