programas

Programa is the term used in Spanish and Portuguese for both a set of instructions that a computer can execute and for a scheduled broadcast or event. The plural programas is commonly used to refer to multiple items in either sense. In English, the same word is typically rendered as program (for software) or program/TV show when describing scheduled content. The origin is Latin programma, from Greek progármma, and the meaning has evolved with technology and media.

In computing, a program is a sequence of instructions that a computer processor follows to perform a task. Programs are created in high-level languages or low-level languages and are executed by an operating system or runtime environment. They may be standalone or part of a larger software package and often rely on libraries, frameworks, and data resources. Programs are distributed as source code, compiled binaries, or as installable packages, and they may run on different hardware architectures with varying dependencies and permissions.

The development and lifecycle of programs involve requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, debugging, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Practices such as version control, code review, and continuous integration support quality and reliability. Licensing models vary, ranging from proprietary to free and open-source, affecting distribution, modification, and resale. Cross-platform compatibility and performance considerations influence language choice and architecture.

In broadcasting, a program refers to a scheduled unit of audiovisual content, such as a television show or radio segment. Programming decisions determine daily schedules, audience reach, and advertising strategies, often guided by ratings, demographic targets, and regulatory requirements. Both senses reflect how programas organize planned activities and digital or media outputs.