Batch programming is a simple programming language that allows users to automate tasks on Windows systems. It has the advantage of being easy to create programs with compared to languages like C++ and Java. Batch files can be used to automate installations, schedule tasks, and perform other repetitive functions. Common uses of batch programming include creating installation scripts, setting up scheduled tasks to run programs weekly or daily, and automating shutdown functions. The document provides examples of basic batch programming code to schedule a weekly task and automatically shut down the computer after startup without permission.