Computer programming involves writing instructions for a computer in a programming language. It is done through programming languages that have specific syntax and keywords. There are low-level languages like machine code and assembly that are closer to what computers can understand directly, and high-level languages that are easier for humans like Python and Java but need to be compiled into machine code. Programs are made up of objects, variables, operations and control flow statements. Programming provides benefits like developing problem-solving skills and is a lucrative career.