Introduction to Computer Programming

Computer Program

• A computer program consists of a sequential set of instructions, or codes, written in a computer language to perform specific tasks.
• Common types of software include system software, web browsers, utility software, multimedia software, and spreadsheet software.
• Instructions must generally be executed sequentially unless specified otherwise for different execution flow.

Computer Language

• Refers to the grammatical rules that instruct a computer to execute tasks, also known as programming languages.

Programming

• Defined as the art and science of instructing computers using programming languages.
• Involves writing codes for various applications such as websites, data analysis, and process automation.
• Proficiency in programming leads to numerous career opportunities in fields like software development, web development, data science, and AI.
• Enhances critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Evolution and History of Programming

• Initially based on writing machine code with binary instructions communicating directly with hardware.
• High-level languages emerged to simplify coding with human-readable syntax.
• A variety of programming languages and tools now exist to cater to different paradigms and domains.

Programming Paradigms

• Paradigms are approaches to organizing and structuring code, providing frameworks for problem-solving and software design.
• Procedural Programming focuses on code organized into procedures or functions (e.g., BASIC, C, Java).
• Object-oriented Programming (OOP) encapsulates data and behavior into objects, promoting modularity (e.g., Python, C#).
• Functional Programming treats computation as mathematical function evaluation, focusing on consistency and avoiding side effects.

Programming Languages

• Languages divided into low-level and high-level:
  • Low-level languages provide intricate control over hardware (e.g., Assembly, Machine Language).
  • High-level languages are more user-friendly and abstract away hardware details (e.g., Python, C++, Java).
• Language choice influenced by project requirements, performance specifications, community support, and available libraries/frameworks.

Other Programming Terminologies

• Syntax: Set of rules for valid statement formation in a programming language.
• Command: Unique instructions for specific tasks (e.g., "print" command).
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Software application for code formatting, syntax checking, and running/testing code.
• Library: Pre-built collection of resources (objects/functions) for use in programming.
• Interpreter: Executes high-level language instructions directly, without machine code conversion.
• Assembler: Converts low-level assembly code into relocatable machine language.
• Compiler: Translates high-level languages into machine-readable code.

Algorithm

• A precise set of steps generating a solution for a defined problem, expressed in natural language.
• Example algorithm for the volume of a rectangle involves getting length, width, height, and displaying the calculated volume.

Problem-Solving Process in Programming

• Problem Analysis: Evaluate and outline problem requirements.
• Algorithm Design: Create an algorithm for the solution.
• Coding: Implement the algorithm in a programming language.
• Execution: Verify the algorithm's correctness.

Representing Algorithms

• Pseudocode: Simplified description of an algorithm, easily understood by those with basic programming knowledge.
• Flowchart: Diagrammatic representation of algorithm steps using symbols to depict the flow of logic.
  • Program Flowcharts: Visual representation of logical steps in a programming task.
  • System Flowcharts: Show system component interactions and data flow, illustrating how decisions affect processes.

Flowchart Symbols

• Standard symbols used in flowcharts for different operations include input/output, processing, predefined processing, comments, decision points, and connectors.

Rules for Creating Program Flowcharts

• A set of guidelines for constructing effective flowcharts for understanding programming tasks and processes.

Explore the fundamentals of computer programming, including the definition of computer programs, types of software, and basic programming languages. This quiz covers the sequential execution of instructions and the significance of programming in various domains like software development and data science.