Invoking column-number-mode from init.el

[Alex van der Spek]

Sorry for such a beginner's question, but that is what I am: a beginner 
in Emacs. Yet, I use it for all my software development work, python, 
Fortran, R and gnuplot.

How do I invoke column number mode via the init.el file?

Is there a simple way (e.g. a macro recorder like feature) to figure out 
what the equivalent Lisp commands are for the various things one can set 
from the interface?

Thanks in advance,
Alex van der Spek