The term 'program-driven' combines 'program,' originating from the Greek word 'programma,' meaning 'a written public notice,' and 'driven,' from Old English 'drifan,' meaning 'to drive or propel.'

'Program' evolved from the Greek 'programma' to the Latin 'programma,' and then to the French 'programme,' before becoming the modern English 'program.' 'Driven' evolved from Old English 'drifan' to Middle English 'driven.'

Initially, 'program' referred to a public notice or proclamation, but it evolved to mean a set of instructions for computers. 'Driven' has maintained its meaning of being propelled or controlled.