What does the term "programming" refer to in computer science?

The term "programming" in computer science refers to a set of instructions used by a computer to solve a purpose or problem. This definition highlights the essence of programming, which is to create sequences of commands or statements that tell the computer what tasks to perform, how to operate on data, and how to achieve specific outcomes.

Programming serves as the foundation for developing software applications, enabling programmers to write code that instructs computers to execute various functions, from simple calculations to complex algorithms. This process is crucial for any software application, as it directly correlates to the functionality and behavior of the program.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the meaning of programming effectively. Data storage deals with how information is saved and retrieved, a programming language refers to the syntax and tools used to write code, and hardware setup pertains to the physical assembly and configuration of computer components. Each of these aspects is essential in the field of computer science but does not define programming itself.