What is the first step a programmer takes in creating software?

testing the program for bugs
writing the instructions for the computer to execute
outlining exactly what the program will do
developing a flowchart for processes

The first step a programmer takes in creating software is outlining exactly what the program will do. This is also known as the planning and design phase, where the programmer determines the purpose, features, and functionalities of the program. Once this is done, the programmer can then proceed to develop a flowchart for processes, write the instructions for the computer to execute, and test the program for bugs.