IT2402 Programming Basics

Programming Basics

• A computer program consists of a sequence of instructions, written in a computer language, performing specific tasks.
• Types of software include system software, web browsers, utility software, multimedia software, and spreadsheet software.
• Instructions in a program must be executed in sequence unless specified otherwise.

Programming Definition

• Programming is the art and science of instructing computers via specific programming languages.
• It involves creating code for problem-solving, web design, data analysis, and process automation.
• Proficiency in programming opens up various career paths, including software and web development, data science, and artificial intelligence.
• Enhances critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills by breaking down complex tasks.

Evolution of Programming

• Initially relied on machine code, comprised of binary instructions (0s and 1s).
• High-level languages emerged to simplify coding with human-readable syntax.
• Various programming languages exist today, catering to diverse paradigms and applications.

Programming Paradigms

• Paradigms refer to structured approaches for organizing code:
  • Procedural Programming: Focuses on procedures/functions, emphasizing sequential step execution (e.g., BASIC, C, C++, Java).
  • Object-oriented Programming (OOP): Centers on objects that encapsulate data and behavior, promoting modularity (e.g., Python, VB.NET, C#).
  • Functional Programming: Treats computation as evaluation of mathematical functions, focusing on consistency (e.g., Haskell, Lisp).

Programming Languages

• Programming languages are classified into:
  • Low-level Languages: Closer to machine code, allowing direct hardware control (e.g., Assembly Language, Machine Language).
  • High-level Languages: Easier for humans to read/write, with abstractions from hardware (e.g., C++, Python, Java).
• Language choice depends on project requirements, performance needs, community support, and library availability.

Programming Terminologies

• Syntax: Set of rules for creating valid statements in a programming language.
• Command: Unique instruction for a task, e.g., "print" to display text.
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Software for formatting, checking, and running code; supports multiple languages.
• Library: Collection of resources/functions for reuse; can be pre-installed in an IDE.
• Interpreter: Executes high-level instructions without converting them to machine language.
• Assembler: Converts assembly code into relocatable machine language.
• Compiler: Transforms high-level languages into machine-readable code.

Algorithm, Pseudocode, and Flowchart

• An algorithm is a sequence of steps leading to a solution for a problem, expressed in a natural language.
• Example Algorithm for calculating the volume of a rectangle:
  • Get the rectangle's length.
  • Get the rectangle's width.
  • Get the rectangle's height.
  • Calculate volume using the formula: volume = length × width × height.

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of programming as outlined in the DG Junior text from 2023. Understand the types of software applications and the sequential nature of programming instructions essential for computer tasks.