Programming Languages Quiz

Fundamentals of Programming

• Programming is a set of instructions following rules of the chosen language.
• Without programs, computers are useless.
• A program is like a recipe; it contains lists of ingredients (variables) and directions (statements).
• This tells the computer what to do with the variables.

Programming Language

• Programming languages contain vocabulary and set of grammatical rules (syntax).
• These languages are used to instruct computers to perform specific tasks.
• They can be used to create computer programs.
• Common high-level languages include BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, FORTRAN, Ada, and Pascal.

Converting to Machine Language

• Programs need to be converted into machine language for the computer to understand.
• This conversion can be done by compiling or interpreting the program.

Compiling

• Compiling transforms a high-level programming language program (source code) into object code.
• Compilers read the entire source code and translate it into machine code to perform required tasks.
• The output is saved in a new file.

Interpreting

• Interpreters execute instructions written in a high-level language.
• They read source code one instruction (line) at a time.
• Each line is converted to machine code and executed.

Computer Programming

• Computer programming is the process of writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining source code for computer programs.
• Source code is written using programming languages (e.g., C++, JAVA, Python).

Computer Programmer

• A programmer is someone who writes computer programs.
• They write, test, and maintain programs or software directing the computer on what to do.

Programmer Skills

• Programming: Writing programs for various purposes.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in written form, tailoring writing styles for the audience.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting written documents and paragraphs.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and analysis to gauge strengths and weaknesses of approaches.
• Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, chips, hardware, and software (including applications and programming).
• Mathematics: Knowledge of numbers, operations, interrelationships (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics), and their applications.
• Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information effectively so others understand.
• Oral Comprehension: Understanding information and ideas from spoken words and sentences.
• Written Expression: Communicating information through writing so others understand.
• Written Comprehension: Reading and understanding presented written information.

Deductive Reasoning and Information Organization

• Deductive Reasoning: Applying general rules to specific problems to reach logical answers. Determining if answers make sense.
• Information Organization: Structuring or classifying information.

Generations of Programming Languages

• 1GL: First-generation languages. Low-level machine languages.
• 2GL: Second-generation languages. Low-level assembly languages.
• 3GL: Third-generation languages. High-level languages (e.g., C).
• 4GL: Fourth-generation languages. Similar to human language statements; used in database programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• 5GL: Fifth-generation languages. Contain visual tools for developing programs (e.g., Visual Studio).

Types of Programming Languages

• Different types of programming languages exist:
  • Machine language (low-level)
  • Assembly language (low-level)
  • High-level language.
• Low-level languages are closer to computer language, while high-level languages are closer to human languages.

Machine Language

• A collection of binary digits (bits).
• How computers read and interpret data.
• The only language computers understand directly.

Assembly Language

• Uses keywords and symbols (similar to English).
• Forms a programming language.
• Assembly languages need an assembler to be translated to machine code.

High-Level Language

• Allows writing code using instructions close to everyday language.
• Need to be translated into machine code to be executed.
• Some programming languages use compilers (translate to machine code once) or interpreters (translate line by line).

Common Features of All Programs

• Sequences of instructions: Program operations follow a strict order.
• Branches: Programs can make decisions based on conditions.
• Loops: Programs can repeat actions.
• Modules: Parts of the program designed to be reusable in different sections.
• Data
• Operations
• Input/Output capability

The Programming Process

• Step 1: Defining the problem (input data, output required).
• Step 2: Planning the solution (flowchart, pseudocode).
• Step 3: Coding the program.
• Step 4: Testing the program (sample data).
• Step 5: Documenting everything.

Algorithms

• A sequence of instructions or formula for solving a problem.
• Can be used for calculations, data processing, and programming.
• Typically involve inputs, processing, and an output.
• Presented in pseudocode or flowcharts.

Pseudocode

• A type of structured English that summarizes tasks.
• Not executable (not translated into machine language commands directly).
• Used for planning an algorithm.
• It has advantages of reduced complexity and increased flexibility.

Flowcharts

• Graphical representation of an algorithm.
• Helpful to visualise program logic.
• Helpful for problem analysis or communication.
• Useful during debugging and program maintenance tasks.
• Can be used for defining and or standardizing processes.

Flowchart Symbols

• Start and end symbols: Oval, rectangle with rounded corners
• Processing steps: Rectangle
• Input/output: Parallelogram
• Conditional or decision: Diamond (rhombus).