There are a variety of computer programming courses available, some of which are very basic and others which are tailored to specific industries. The language being taught, the eventual application of the knowledge, or the specific niche systems being taught can all be used to categorize most computer programming courses. Basic programming language classes teach only one language in progressively more in-depth sessions, which are usually divided into categories based on the prerequisite experience. Classes geared toward a specific application or industry, such as security or network systems, are typically not for beginners and require a fair amount of knowledge not only in programming but also in general computer science. Niche classes are designed to teach students how to write programs for a specific machine, such as a mainframe, or for a specific abstract programming interface (API), and they typically require a strong background in computer science, though not necessarily computer programming.
At the entry level, general computer programming courses primarily cover either the overarching concepts of computer programming in a language-neutral manner or solely teach how to program in one specific language. These types of courses are essential for laying a solid foundation on which to build more specialized knowledge. If the languages are tightly bound in practical use, some courses may combine more than one language, such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), into a single lesson plan.
Many computer programming courses focus on a specific application of programming. There are several of these courses available, the majority of which require prior knowledge of a programming language or computer science. As new technologies emerge, such courses are constantly being developed. Programming for neural networks, graphics and imaging, real-time systems, and security systems are just a few examples.
Niche computer programming courses aim to teach students how to use a specific system or methodology that may or may not be immediately applicable to broader programming topics. Because the target systems usually only use one language, these classes almost always have language requirements. However, some courses are language-free, especially if the niche system uses its own proprietary language. Programming for one type of mobile device, special engineering systems, or even aviation systems may be covered in these courses.
There are also courses in computer programming that are one-of-a-kind in their field. Theoretical concepts, attempts to develop programming languages that use natural grammar, and even programming on experimental machines are all examples of such classes. These courses can provide valuable insights into how computers and programming languages work, but they sometimes do not provide any practical knowledge and instead remain in the realm of theoretical programming.