A computer program is a sequence or set of instructions written in a programming language that a computer follows to perform specific tasks or solve problems

. It is a fundamental component of software that directs the computer's hardware to execute operations such as data processing, calculations, storage, and more

. Programs can be interactive, responding to user input (like web browsers), or batch, running tasks automatically and then stopping (like payroll processing)

. They are typically written in high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, C, C++) that are human-readable and then compiled or interpreted into machine language (binary code) that the computer can execute directly

. Computer programs range widely in type and purpose, including system software that manages hardware, application software for tasks like word processing or video editing, and specialized programs for internet communication, education, or gaming

. In essence, a computer program is a precise, ordered set of instructions that enables a computer to perform desired operations by executing these instructions one by one