What is a sequence of coded instructions that directs a computer's actions called?

A sequence of coded instructions that directs a computer's actions is called a program. This term refers specifically to the set of instructions written in a programming language that tells the computer exactly what tasks to perform and how to perform them. Programs can range from simple scripts that automate basic tasks to complex applications like video games or database management systems.

The term "procedure" typically refers to a specific part of a program, usually a set of instructions that perform a particular task within the larger program but does not encompass the entire sequence of coded instructions. "Processing" describes the action the computer takes when executing a program but does not refer to the program itself. A "prototype," on the other hand, is an early sample or model of a product, often used in software development to test concepts before full-scale production—it does not relate to the overall coded instructions that govern a computer’s operations. Hence, the essence of a program lies in its capacity to deliver a comprehensive set of directives that dictate a computer’s behavior.