What is an instruction to the computer that is often a basic element of a program?

The reason why a command is considered an instruction to the computer and a fundamental element of a program is that it directly tells the computer what action to perform. Commands form the basis of programming languages, which are composed of statements that instruct the computer to execute specific tasks, such as executing a function, modifying a variable, or controlling program flow.

In programming, commands can be simple, such as printing text to the console, or complex, involving conditional logic or loops. Each command is a crucial building block in creating functional software, enabling developers to construct expressions, manipulate variables, and utilize operators effectively. Thus, understanding commands is essential for anyone engaging in software and app design, as they lay the groundwork for all higher-level programming constructs.