Information, Knowledge, Algorithm versus Data and Program

Information, Knowledge, Algorithm versus Data and Program | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 29 August 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Information, Knowledge, Algorithm versus Data and Program Author : Mariusz Postol 0000-0002-9669-0565 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175647887.76173269/v1 1543 views 170 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract This paper examines fundamental concepts in information technology and software engineering, with a focus on the distinctions and interdependencies between information, data, algorithms, and computer programs. It argues that, while computers are physical devices governed by physical laws, they are used to process abstract entities such as information and algorithms. To bridge this gap, the paper introduces the concept of coding systems—comprising alphabets, syntax, and semantics—as a way to represent abstract information as data. Similarly, it discusses how algorithms, as abstract problem-solving knowledge, must be implemented as executable programs using programming languages. The paper highlights the role of types in modern programming languages as abstractions that encapsulate coding systems, making software development more accessible and portable. Through examples and theoretical discussion, the paper underscores the importance of understanding these abstractions for effective software design and implementation, advocating for a deeper integration of engineering principles into software development practices. All examples are written in C# but are intended to be universal and general. Supplementary Material File (ikavdp-mpmanuscript.pdf) Download 313.11 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 29 August 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords algorithm computer program data information software engineering type Authors Affiliations Mariusz Postol 0000-0002-9669-0565 [email protected] Politechnika Lodzka Instytut Informatyki View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 1543 views 170 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Mariusz Postol. Information, Knowledge, Algorithm versus Data and Program. Authorea . 29 August 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175647887.76173269/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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