Introduction to Programming: Algorithms, Programming, and Python

Study Notes

Program Design Fundamentals

An algorithm is a set of well-defined instructions designed to solve a specific problem.

Programming Basics

Programming is the process of giving a set of instructions to a computer so that it can execute specific tasks.
A programming language is a formal system of notation used for writing computer programs.
Python is a widely used general-purpose, high-level programming language.

Operators and Control Statements

Operators are used to perform operations on variables and values.
Conditional and control statements help programmers make decisions and execute/repeat different code blocks depending on whether a condition is met.

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a step-by-step description of an algorithm, written in simple English language text.
Pseudocode is an intermediate state between an idea and its implementation in a high-level language.
It helps programmers in planning the solution to the problem and readers in understanding the approach to the problem.
Example: Write a pseudocode to find the sum of two numbers, which involves declaring variables, inputting values, and outputting the result.

Python Data Types

A data type specifies the type of information that may be stored in a variable.
Common data types in programming include:
- Integers (whole numbers)
- Characters (letters, numbers, spaces, symbols)
- Strings (sets of characters)
- Floats (decimal point numbers)
- Doubles (fractional numbers)

Sequential Structure

Example: Write a Python program asking the user to enter their Name and Age, and calculate the year when the user will turn 90.

Conditional Structure

Example: Write a Python program to check if a number is Even or Odd, based on the remainder of division by 2.

Control Structure

Example: Write a Python program printing numbers from 1 to 10 using a for loop and the range function.

Review Questions

Write a Python pseudocode and program for performing arithmetic operations on two numbers.
Write a Python program to check if a number is Positive, Negative, or Zero.
Write a Python program to display Even numbers between 10 and 30.

Description

This quiz covers the basics of programming, including algorithms, the programming process, and programming languages, with a focus on Python. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in computer science.