Programm

Programm is a German noun with several related meanings centered on a planned sequence of actions or instructions. It most commonly refers to a plan or list of items to be performed or presented, such as a concert program, a theater program, or a television or radio schedule (Fernsehprogramm, Rundfunkprogramm, Programmheft). It can also denote a set of instructions that a computer follows, i.e., a computer program or software. In everyday language, the context typically clarifies which sense is intended.

Etymology and usage: The word comes from the French programme, ultimately from Latin programma and Greek progármma, and was adopted into German with the spelling Programm. In German, the form with double m is standard. The term exists in many compound nouns, including Programmieren (to program), Programmiersprache (programming language), and Programmierer (programmer). The related adjective is programmatisch (programmatic), and the noun Programminhalt refers to the content of a program.

In computing and media, Programm has distinct but overlapping roles. In computing, a Programm (software) is a set of instructions stored and executed by a computer; users write, run, and debug programs, often referring to programming as Programmierung. In broadcasting and the performing arts, the term describes the curated sequence of offered works or segments, and the physical program booklet (Programmheft) provides details about each item.

See also: Program, Programme, programming languages, software, programmer, programming.