Programming 01: Machine Language

Generations of Programming Languages

• 1st Generation: Machine Language

  • Utilizes binary codes (strings of 0s and 1s) that computers can directly execute.
  • Machine-dependent, low-level language.

• 2nd Generation: Assembly Language

  • Employs mnemonics for commands; requires an assembler for conversion.
  • Still considered low-level language.

• 3rd Generation: High-Level Language

  • More independent of hardware, closer to human language.
  • Easier to read, write, and maintain; uses a compiler to translate source code.
  • Examples include FORTRAN, BASIC, COBOL, PASCAL, C, C++, ALGOL, ADA, JAVA.

• 4th Generation: Object-Oriented Programming Language

  • Organizes code around objects, focusing on data and behavior.
  • Relies on event-driven programming, where outcomes are triggered by events.
  • Examples include JAVA, C+, C#, Visual Basic, VB.NET.

• 5th Generation: Logic Programming

  • Artificial language designed to solve problems with defined rules and constraints.
  • Focus on the computer solving the problem automatically.
  • Examples include PROLOG, MERCURY, LISP.

Types of Programming Errors

• Syntax Errors: Occur when language syntax is violated.
• Semantic Errors: Result from incorrect use of statements.
• Logical Errors: Happen when specifications are not followed.
• Compile Time Errors: Arise during compilation, often due to syntax errors.
• Runtime Errors: Occur during execution due to unexpected conditions (e.g., dividing by zero).

Important Concepts in Programming

• High-Level Programming Language:

  • More independent of computer type, facilitating easier understanding and modification.

• Object-Oriented Programming:

  • Focuses on "objects," allowing relationships between them.
  • Efficient for problem-solving; utilizes classes to group similar objects.

Current and Distributed Programming

• Enables simultaneous execution of operations.
• Concurrency: Processes occur at the same time, utilizing shared resources.
• Parallel processing: More advanced concurrency where processes operate side-by-side.

Programming Paradigms

• Structured Programming:
  • Enhances program quality and efficiency through subroutines and control structures.
  • Emphasizes top-down principles and was popularized by Edsger Dijkstra.

Control Structures

• Sequence: Executes instructions in order.
• Selection: Allows for decision-making paths.
• Iteration: Facilitates looping through code sections multiple times.

Java Programming Insights

• Developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995; adheres to "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) philosophy.
• Evolved through versions, optimizing for different platforms (Java 2 Enterprise Edition for server apps, Java 2 Micro Edition for mobile apps).

Variable Naming Rules

• Identifiers must start with a letter or underscore; cannot begin with a digit.
• Must not contain spaces or special characters besides underscores and dollar signs.
• Reserved words are prohibited as variable names.

Importance of Comments

• Enhances program readability and aids in understanding the code structure and functionality.
• Comments are crucial for documenting program logic and improving collaboration among developers.

This quiz focuses on the preliminaries of programming, specifically the first generation of programming languages known as machine language. Participants will explore the six stages of computer programming development and gain an understanding of how problems are defined using binary codes. Test your knowledge of these foundational concepts in programming.