What Is Code – Definition, Meaning And Concept

What gives words meaning is the context in which we use them. If we do it in isolation, we may not explain ourselves properly or may give us a wrong idea, since the same word can communicate different things.

For example, the word animal generally refers to an irrational living being that lives on earth with human beings. However, if we call a person like that, it could be interpreted as an insult. Hence the beauty of the ability to communicate.

Words form a universe of possibilities that, when combined, creates a unique message. We often underestimate the power they have. A word can build, but it can also tear down, it can heal, but it can also hurt. All depending on how we use it.

We are so familiar with them that we do not realize that they are part of our lives. They are everywhere and give us the opportunity to express our most intense ideas and emotions. They also help us perform different types of jobs and activities.

For example, in this modern age, a very common word is code. With a code we can protect very precious possessions such as money, our identity, confidential information, etc. In addition, we may have access to resources such as bank accounts, email, cell phone information, among other things.

However, if we isolate the word code, it can mean many things, depending on the context in which we use it, as we have already stated above.

But what else do you need to know about this word besides its meaning? Are there different types of codes? What is its importance? We will be developing these ideas in this short article. That is why we encourage you to continue reading so that you can use it correctly. Let’s see.

Instructions

Taking into account the etymological origin of the word, its main definition is: a set of regulations, principles and norms arranged for any matter.

However, today, when we talk about a code, we refer to a set of symbols that, seen separately, do not represent anything at all. However, when combined, they produce a unique type of language, which can only be accessed by those who understand it.

Of course, there is the possibility of being interpreted , but for this it is necessary to know where it comes from and what its purpose is, that is, what it is for. There are many reasons why a code may be created. These are not simply related to communication, but also to access to specific sites, where anyone is not allowed to enter.

This type of code is also known as a password or key. It can be represented by figures, algorithms, numbers, symbols, etc. When arranged in sequence, they become a kind of key to access a restricted space. These codes are established by whoever tries to protect something.

Currently, there are very common models that are used to protect assets, money, personal or confidential information, among other things. For example, debit cards, bank accounts, social networks, real estate, etc.

What do you need:

The main characteristic of a code is simplicity. Because of this, it is less prone to mistakes. The more complex the algorithm, the more chances of making a mistake when using it.
It is easy to read. Therefore, you do not need additional information to be able to understand it. If the case were to be necessary, it would be a minimum document.
It is easy to use. For a code to be successful, it must be intuitive and easy for anyone to use.
Easy to modify. Since there is no duplicate logic, a change should affect only a single part of the code.
Without the use of external tools. Every time you add one, you’re adding additional complexity to it. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to understand and maintain. While the possibility of being wrong increases a lot.
It has to look simple, otherwise, then it won’t be. His solution is always logical and easier than one might have thought.
The code just does what is necessary. Therefore, it is almost impossible to anticipate problems that could arise in the future.
It does not take you down unnecessary paths. Usually, there is only one method to solve it.

Types of codes

This word can be used in different ways, depending on the context in which it is being spoken. For example:

In communication: it is a system that is responsible for creating the message that wants to be transmitted. In other words, it is the language, such as English, Spanish, Chinese, etc. But, in other types of communication, the code takes different forms, as in the case of telegraphic transmission with Morse code.
In the social part: it is a set of norms, which are ordered in a systematic way and, in general, take place in the field of laws and law, as is the case of the criminal code, the civil code, among others. However, in this field, there are codes of conduct, which do not have a legal framework. Rather, they are associated with traditions, but are respected just the same.
In computing: such is the case of binary code. It is the one that is based on the behavior of computers. It consists of the combination of two elements to be able to encode and transmit information.
In biology: here we find the genetic code, which is a scientific coding that identifies the type of information that each human being has in their organism.
The barcode: uses lines arranged vertically to provide information about a product. In addition, it allows its automatic treatment after optical reading.
The postal code: it is a combination of numbers that are assigned to a population, in order to facilitate its classification and the delivery of mail.

As you may have noticed, we are surrounded by codes. Now that you know what they are, you are more aware of their existence.

Tips

Codes have a special place in the way we relate to each other as human beings. Codes have been present since ancient times to record relevant information in caves and on stones.

From the invention of one of the most famous codes such as the Egyptian hieroglyphs to barcodes or QR codes, all have fulfilled and will continue to fulfill a very important function for society.

Would you like to invent your own code? We explain how you can do it:

First of all, decide what type of code you want to create: numeric, phonetic, with letters or shapes, etc.
Once the type of code has been chosen, proceed to logically select the elements that will constitute your code.
Remember, all code follows repetitive patterns to maintain consistency in the message. Therefore, invent patterns that are easy to remember and use repetition and logic as a basis.
For example, suppose you decide to invent a binary code, take into account that your base will be two elements; as in computers 0 and 1. But you can use two different elements, they can be iconic and not numerical.
Suppose you want to express your mood through numbers.
The first thing you have to do is represent four main moods: calm 00, happy 01, sad 10, upset 11.
You can also make combinations with binary to represent the letters and be able to write more complete messages. You can achieve this by increasing the number of combinations to three elements, because 3 ³is 27.
In other words, since the alphabet has 27 letters, you will need combinations of three binary-based digits in order to encode a message.
Make a table with the combinations so that you have it on hand and share it with the person who is going to crack your code.

Did you know…?

Binary code is in all of our technologies today, but it’s older than you think. It was even thought that the binary system was the one used in divine creation.

In the 17th century in Germany, the great mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz decided to help men to have the minimum margin of error with the calculations. He made the first attempts at mechanical calculators; but his most impressive contribution was that of the binary conception of the universe.

This intellectual of mathematical thought stated that God as creator was represented by 1 in numerical terms and the absence of God; that is, everything that was not God was represented by 0.

Apparently, for Gottfried, only two numbers were needed to represent all the relationships in the universe; affirming that with a binary code human error could be minimized.

This is the impressive origin of the BIT (Binary Digit) code that computers use to interpret all the information for their operation. All programming languages in the world mostly use the binary system to work on bit sequences.

Which number system is better, decimal or binary? It is not about that, each system responds to a different need for information coding. You can make yourself different codes in different numbering systems just for practice.