Programming Languages and Paradigms Overview

Unit Overview

• Focus on the development of programming languages and paradigms.
• Assess considerations for selecting a programming language.
• Evaluate programming principles relevant to language design.
• Analyze compiler design tools, specifically Lex and Yacc for building a primitive compiler.

Teaching Structure

• Combination of 2-hour lectures and 1-hour tutorials.
• Tutorials may require additional time for completion.
• Assessment methods include in-class tests, assignments, and final assessments.

Lecture Approach

• Notes serve as a broad structure for the instructor, providing context for demonstrations.
• Emphasis on active participation in lectures over passive note reading.

Programming Paradigms

• Imperative Paradigm:
  • Explicit, algorithmic steps defining how tasks are accomplished.
  • Characteristics include variable manipulation and states.
• Declarative Paradigm:
  • Specifies desired outcomes rather than processes.
  • Focus areas include Logic and Functional programming.

Imperative Paradigms Examples

• Procedural: Fortran, ALGOL, C.
• Object-Oriented: Java, C#, Kotlin.
• Example: Variable manipulation with x = 0; x = x + 1;.

Declarative Paradigms Examples

• Logic Programming: Primarily using Prolog.
  • Involves facts and rules, e.g., food(pizza).
• Functional Programming:
  • Emphasizes mathematical function mimicry.
  • Avoids variable use and side effects through recursion, e.g., Fibonacci function.

Paradigm Characteristics

• Paradigms are flexible; many languages are multi-paradigm.
• Languages can be used in various styles, e.g., JavaScript's versatility.

Programming Principles

• Objective: Discuss the question of the "best" programming language.
• Importance of context: No definitive answer exists.
• Properties to consider:
  • Readability: Understandability of the program.
  • Writability: Capability to solve problems effectively.
  • Reliability: Consistency of program function under varied conditions.

Language Characteristics

• Simplicity: Clear and straightforward constructs.
• Orthogonality: Well-defined rules with minimal exceptions.
• Data Types: Support for different data structures.
• Syntax Design: Clarity and ease of use in language syntax.
• Support for Abstraction: Ability to abstract complex data structures.
• Expressivity: Capability of the language to concisely represent ideas.
• Type Checking: Mechanisms for validating variable types.
• Exception Handling: Framework for managing errors.
• Restricted Aliasing: Limitations on interdependencies between entities.

Understanding Properties and Characteristics

• Use properties and characteristics to evaluate and discuss programming languages critically.
• Enrich personal perspectives on different programming languages.

Summary Points

• Emphasis on understanding three properties and nine characteristics of programming languages.
• Exposure to various programming paradigms and an array of languages.
• Encouragement to engage with and analyze programming languages through hands-on experience.

Reading Assignments

• Chapter 1 sections cover:
  • Reasons for studying programming languages.
  • Programming domains and applications.
  • Criteria for language evaluation.
  • Trade-offs in language design.

Explore the development of programming languages and their paradigms through this quiz. Assess key considerations for selecting a programming language and evaluate important programming principles related to language design. You will also analyze compiler design tools like Lex and Yacc.