> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://university-west.gitbook.io/programming-paradigms/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://university-west.gitbook.io/programming-paradigms/program-creation-and-design/writing-programs.md).

# Writing programs

Computer programs are simply text that you write in the chosen language that is then interpreted or compiled (see compilers) into executable programs. Thus, at the most basic level, all you need is a text editor (Notepad, Command Line Interface (CLI), or whatever) to write code.  However, there is software that is specifically designed to write code and I highly recommend you find the one that works best for you and your chosen programming language. Text editors designed and specialized to write programming source code are called source code editors.


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