Programming basics involve understanding how to write instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks. These instructions are written in programming languages, such as Python, Java, or JavaScript. Each language has its own syntax and rules, but they all share common concepts like variables, data types, and control structures, which help manage the flow of a program. Key concepts in programming include variables, which store data; loops, which repeat actions; and functions, which are reusable blocks of code. Learning these fundamentals allows beginners to create simple programs and gradually build more complex applications as they gain experience and confidence in their coding skills.