Introduction to Programming Concepts

Study Notes

A computer program is a set of instructions written in a programming language.
Its purpose is to perform specific tasks when executed by a computer.
Programs can range from basic calculator programs to complex software applications.
Programs enable computers to carry out functions and provide users with the ability to interact with computers.

Programming is the process of creating computer programs or sets of instructions.
These instructions tell computers how to perform specific tasks.
It involves writing code using languages like Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript.
Programming requires logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

A programming language is a special language used to write instructions for a computer.
It provides a set of rules and syntax to communicate with a computer and give it commands.
Different programming languages have different purposes and features.
Languages can be categorized into:
- Low-level languages (e.g., assembly language)
- High-level languages (e.g., C++, Java, Python)

A program works by executing a sequence of instructions written in a programming language.
This execution process involves several steps:
- Writing the Program: The programmer creates the instructions using a programming language.
- Code Translation: The program code is converted from the programming language into machine-readable language.
- Execution: The computer processes the machine code instructions in a specific sequence.
- Input and Output: The program receives data as input and produces output based on the processed instructions.
- Control Flow: Instructions govern the order in which the computer executes the program.
- Memory Management: The program manages computer memory to store data and instructions during execution.
- Termination: The program completes its tasks and ends execution.

The main difference lies in their level of abstraction.
Low-Level Programming Languages:
- Are closer to machine code and specific to particular architectures.
- Provide minimal abstraction from the hardware, allowing direct control.
- Harder to read and write, but offer excellent performance and efficiency.
- Examples: Assembly Language, Machine Language
High-Level Programming Languages:
- Are designed to be closer to human language and less dependent on hardware architectures.
- Provide a higher level of abstraction with complex syntax, data structures, and libraries.
- Easier to read, write, and understand, making them user-friendly.
- Prioritize developer productivity and maintainability.
- Examples: C++, Java, Python

Low-level languages offer fine-grained control over hardware but have a steeper learning curve.
High-level languages focus on ease of use and productivity at the expense of some performance control.

A translator is a program that converts source code written in a programming language into a form that the computer understands (machine code).
Source code is the program written in a programming language (e.g., Java, Python).
Computers cannot directly understand human-written source code.