CS1050 Programming Fundamentals with C

Study Notes

Programming language: A system of instructions used to create software applications.
Hierarchy of computer languages includes various high-level and low-level languages.

Simplicity and ease of use enhance learning and application.
Good readability and human recognizability are essential.
Must support abstraction, enabling complex structures with usability.
Portability is preferred to allow usage across different systems.
High efficiency is crucial for quick machine code conversion and low memory usage.
Structured and documented features facilitate application development.
Development tools for debugging and maintenance must be included.
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is necessary.
Consistency in syntax and semantics is vital for programming.

Algorithm: Step-by-step procedure for problem-solving.
Variable: A named memory storage location for values.
Data Type: Classification indicating the type of data (e.g., integer, string, boolean).
Function: A block of code that performs a specific task and can be invoked elsewhere.
Control Flow: Execution order of program statements, including loops and conditions.
Syntax: Rules governing the structure of a programming language.
Comment: Text ignored by the compiler, used for notes or explanations.
Debugging: Process of identifying and fixing program errors.
IDE: Comprehensive environment for coding, debugging, and testing.
Operator: Symbols representing operations (e.g., + for addition, - for subtraction).
Statement: Individual instructions executing specific actions.

Increased Productivity: Abstractions allow for quicker and more efficient coding.
Portability: High-level programs run on various OS and platforms.
Readability: Well-designed languages improve code understanding.
Large Community: Availability of support and resources through developer communities.

Complexity: Some languages are challenging for beginners.
Performance: High-level languages may run slower compared to lower-level counterparts.
Limited Functionality: Certain tasks may require additional libraries.
Fragmentation: Diverse languages complicate code sharing and collaboration.

Developed by Dennis Ritchie for system applications and direct hardware interaction.
Recognized as:
- Mother language
- System programming language
- Procedure-oriented programming language
- Structured programming language
- Mid-level programming language