Scheme vs. Program — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
A scheme often refers to a systematic plan or arrangement for a specific purpose, sometimes with a negative connotation; a program is a planned series of activities or a set sequence of operations.
Difference Between Scheme and Program
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A scheme typically implies a complex, organized plan or plot, often designed to achieve a particular goal, and it can carry a connotation of underhandedness or deceit, whereas a program refers to a structured plan or procedure, usually intended for events, projects, or computer operations.
For instance, a scheme may involve a secretive plot to achieve financial gain, while a program might be an agenda for a conference.
Schemes are often used in contexts where manipulation or strategy is involved, on the other hand, programs are commonly associated with organization and development in various fields such as education, television, and computing.
While both terms involve planning, the nature and purpose of a scheme can be more flexible and personal, whereas a program usually has a defined format or set of guidelines.
In the technological context, a scheme might refer to an arrangement or protocol for achieving something, like a URL scheme; a program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specific task on a computer.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A plan or plot, particularly one with a secret or devious purpose.
A planned series of future events or performances.
Usage in Language
Often negative
Neutral
Context
Strategic plans, plots
Events, software, development projects
Common Connotations
Cunning, secretive
Organized, systematic
Examples
Financial schemes, plot schemes
Computer programs, educational programs
Compare with Definitions
Scheme
Plot or strategy.
The scheme involved quietly buying up land around the proposed site.
Program
Scheduled event series.
The festival's program lists all performances over the weekend.
Scheme
Arrangement or system.
The company's new pricing scheme was designed to attract more customers.
Program
Computer software.
She developed a program that simplifies data analysis.
Scheme
Often pejorative.
His latest get-rich-quick scheme seemed dubious at best.
Program
Educational curriculum.
The university offers a graduate program in environmental studies.
Scheme
In schemes of color.
The artist used a monochromatic scheme for her gallery display.
Program
Broadcast content.
His favorite television program airs on Friday nights.
Scheme
URL schemes.
In web development, the HTTPS scheme secures communications.
Program
Government initiative.
The new housing program aims to assist first-time homebuyers.
Scheme
A systematic plan of action
"Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton).
Program
A listing of the order of events and other pertinent information for a public presentation.
Scheme
A secret or devious plan; a plot
A scheme to defraud investors.
Program
The presentation itself
A program of piano pieces.
Scheme
An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts
An irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels.
Program
A scheduled radio or television show.
Scheme
A chart, diagram, or outline of a system or object.
Program
An ordered list of events to take place or procedures to be followed; a schedule
A program of physical therapy for a convalescent.
Scheme
To contrive a plan or scheme for; plot
Scheming their revenge.
Program
A system of services, opportunities, or projects, usually designed to meet a social need
"Working parents rely on the center's after-school latchkey program" (New York Times).
Scheme
To make plans, especially secret or devious ones.
Program
A course of academic study; a curriculum.
Scheme
An artful deviation from the ordinary arrangement of words.
Program
A plan or system of academic and related or ancillary activities
A work-study program.
Scheme
(astrology) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
Program
A plan or system of nonacademic extracurricular activities
The football program.
Scheme
A systematic plan of future action.
Program
A set of coded instructions that enables a machine, especially a computer, to perform a desired sequence of operations.
Scheme
A plot or secret, devious plan.
Program
An instruction sequence in programmed instruction.
Scheme
An orderly combination of related parts.
Program
All or part of the genetic code of a cell or organism.
Scheme
A chart or diagram of a system or object.
Program
A characteristic sequence of developmental or behavioral events in a cell or organism, often considered to result from the expression of genes.
Scheme
(mathematics) A mathematical structure that enlarges the notion of algebraic variety in several ways, such as taking account of multiplicities and allowing "varieties" defined over any commutative ring (e.g. Fermat curves over the integers).
Program
A stimulus or training sequence that causes an organism to exhibit a behavior, as by conditioning.
Scheme
A council housing estate.
Program
To include or schedule in a program
Program a new musical composition.
Scheme
(internet) Part of a uniform resource identifier indicating the protocol or other purpose, such as
http: or news:.Program
To design a program for; schedule the activities of.
Scheme
A portfolio of pension plans with related benefits comprising multiple independent members.
Program
To provide (a machine) with a set of coded working instructions.
Scheme
(intransitive) To plot, or contrive a plan.
Program
To stimulate or train to perform automatically in a specified way
Consumers who have been programmed to buy brand names.
Scheme
(transitive) To plan; to contrive.
Program
To prepare an instructional sequence for (material to be taught) in programmed instruction.
Scheme
A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
The appearance and outward scheme of things.
Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
Program
To provide (a cell or organism, for example) with a genetic program
Cells that are programmed to produce insulin.
Scheme
A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
Program
To cause (an effect or action) by means of a genetic program; determine genetically
"The basic housekeeping duties that a human and a yeast cell must perform are the same and are programmed by recognizably similar genes inherited from a common, single-celled ancestor" (Nicholas Wade).
Scheme
Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
Program
A set of structured activities.
Our program for today’s exercise class includes swimming and jogging.
Scheme
A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
Program
A leaflet listing information about a play, game or other activity.
The program consisted of ads for restaurants and the credits of everyone connected with the play.
Scheme
To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction.
Program
(politics) A set of principle goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate
Scheme
To form a scheme or schemes.
Program
(broadcasting) A performance of a show or other broadcast on radio or television.
Tonight’s program was hosted by Johnny Carson.
Scheme
An elaborate and systematic plan of action
Program
(computing) A software application, or a collection of software applications, designed to perform a specific task.
The program runs on both Linux and Microsoft Windows.
Scheme
A statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery
Program
A particular mindset or method of doing things.
Scheme
A group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole;
A vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going
Program
(transitive) To enter a program or other instructions into (a computer or other electronic device) to instruct it to do a particular task.
He programmed the DVR to record his favorite show.
Scheme
An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
Program
(transitive) To develop (software) by writing program code.
I programmed a small game as a demonstration.
Scheme
A schematic or preliminary plan
Program
(transitive) To put together the schedule of an event.
Mary will program Tuesday’s festivities.
Scheme
Form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
Program
(broadcasting) To schedule the programming; to determine what will be broadcast.
Scheme
Devise a system or form a scheme for
Program
(transitive) To cause to automatically behave in a particular way.
The lab rat was programmed to press the lever when the bell rang.
Program
Same as Programme.
Program
A system of projects or services intended to meet a public need;
He proposed an elaborate program of public works
Working mothers rely on the day care program
Program
A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished;
They drew up a six-step plan
They discussed plans for a new bond issue
Program
(computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute;
The program required several hundred lines of code
Program
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Program
A radio or television show;
Did you see his program last night?
Program
A performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation;
The program lasted more than two hours
Program
A document stating the aims and principles of a political party;
Their candidate simply ignored the party platform
They won the election even though they offered no positive program
Program
An announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event;
You can't tell the players without a program
Program
Arrange a program of or for;
Program the 80th birthday party
Program
Write a computer program
Common Curiosities
What is a program?
A program is a sequence of planned activities or operations, usually organized for public events, educational courses, or computer tasks.
Can programs be interactive?
Yes, especially in computing, programs can be interactive, requiring user input to perform tasks or respond to commands.
What is a scheme?
A scheme is a systematic plan designed for a specific purpose, often with a strategic or secretive element.
How can schemes be negative?
Schemes often imply manipulation or deceit, particularly in contexts involving plots to gain something through underhanded methods.
What is the difference between a TV show and a TV program?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but a TV program can also refer to the entire scheduled lineup, whereas a TV show might refer specifically to a single series.
How do educational schemes differ from educational programs?
Educational schemes might refer to specific strategic plans within an institution, while educational programs typically refer to the structured curriculum offered.
What roles do programs play in software development?
In software development, programs are essential as they direct the computer to perform specific operations based on written instructions.
What is an example of a positive scheme?
Environmental schemes aimed at conservation and sustainability can have positive impacts on ecosystems and communities.
How do businesses use both schemes and programs?
Businesses might implement marketing schemes to strategically position themselves in the market, while using training programs to develop employee skills systematically.
Are schemes always illegal?
No, while schemes can carry a negative connotation, they are not inherently illegal and can simply refer to any systematic plan or arrangement.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
