Module-1-Introduction-to-Programming-and-C.pdf

Computer Programming 1 Module 1 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING AND C# This module introduces students to the foundational programming concepts, focusing on th...

Computer Programming 1 Module 1 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING AND C# This module introduces students to the foundational programming concepts, focusing on the C# programming language. Students will gain an understanding of the basic structure and syntax of C# and explore how programming languages are used to solve problems in computing. The module will guide students through setting up their development environment, writing their first C# program, and understanding fundamental programming concepts. LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of this module, students will be able to: 1. Describe the purpose and applications of programming languages. 2. Set up a C# development environment and write a basic C# program. 3. Understand and explain the structure of a C# program. 4. Execute a simple C# program using the console. 5. Identify and use basic C# syntax elements such as the Main method, statements, and comments. Introduction to Programming Concepts What is Programming? Programming is the process of designing and building an executable computer program to accomplish a specific computing task. It involves writing code, which is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform operations such as calculations, data processing, or user interaction. Programming is fundamental to all aspects of computing and is used to create software that powers everything from small embedded systems to large-scale enterprise applications. Programming languages serve as the medium to communicate these instructions to the computer. By writing code in a programming language, a programmer can instruct a computer to perform tasks, automate processes, and solve problems. For instance, programming enables the development of applications that can automate business operations, manage data, and even drive complex simulations. Purpose of Programming Language Programming languages are crucial because they allow humans to communicate with computers in a way that is both precise and understandable by machines. These languages provide the syntax and semantics that define how tasks are to be performed, ensuring that complex instructions can be executed efficiently. Different programming languages are suited for different types of tasks. For example:  C# is widely used for developing Windows applications, web services, and enterprise-level software.  Python is popular in data science, machine learning, and web development.  JavaScript is essential for web development, particularly for client-side scripting. Application of Programming Languages Programming is crucial in modern technology and is used in various applications:  Software Development: Creating applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms.  System Programming: Developing operating systems and system utilities.  Embedded Systems: Programming microcontrollers and embedded devices. Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 1 Computer Programming 1 Module 1  Data Analysis: Analyzing and visualizing data in fields like finance, science, and engineering.  Automation: Creating scripts and tools to automate repetitive tasks. Overview of Different Programming Languages Programming languages vary in their design and use cases. They can be classified as:  High-Level Languages: Easier for humans to read and write.  Low-Level Languages: Closer to machine code.  Specialized Languages: Designed for specific tasks. Understanding how programming languages work is key to utilizing them effectively in problem-solving and application development. The choice of language often depends on the task at hand, the performance requirements, and the development environment. Introduction to C# Programming Language History and Overview of C# C# (pronounced "C-Sharp") is a modern, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of its.NET initiative. It was first introduced in 2000, and since then, it has evolved significantly, with continuous updates enhancing its capabilities and performance. C# was created by Anders Hejlsberg and his team at Microsoft, to provide a language that combines the power of C++ with the ease of use found in languages like Visual Basic. It was designed to be a simple, modern, and versatile language that could be used to build a wide range of applications, from desktop software to web services and mobile apps. Key milestones in the evolution of C# include:  C# 1.0 (2002): Introduced with the first version of the.NET framework.  C# 2.0 (2005): Added generics, partial classes, and nullable types.  C# 3.0 (2007): Introduced LINQ (Language Integrated Query) and lambda expressions.  C# 4.0 (2010): Added dynamic programming capabilities and named arguments.  C# 5.0 (2012): Introduced async and await for asynchronous programming.  C# 6.0 (2015): Enhanced with features like expression-bodied members and null-conditional operators.  C# 7.0 and beyond Continued to add features like pattern matching, tuples, and improved performance features. C# is now one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, particularly in the development of Windows applications, cloud-based services, and cross-platform mobile apps using Xamarin. Setting Up the Development Environment Before writing C# code, it is essential to set up a development environment. The most common Integrated Development Environment (IDE) used for C# development is Visual Studio, which is a comprehensive toolset provided by Microsoft for coding, debugging, and deploying C# applications. Steps to Set Up Visual Studio: 1. Download and Install Visual Studio:  Visit the official Visual Studio website and download the Community Edition, which is free for individual developers and small teams.  Run the installer and choose the workload for ".NET desktop development," which includes the tools needed to write C# applications. 2. Create a New C# Project: Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 2 Computer Programming 1 Module 1  Open Visual Studio and select "Create a new project."  Choose "Console App (.NET Core)" or "Console App (.NET Framework)" depending on the project requirements.  Name your project, choose a location to save it, and click "Create." 3. Explore the Visual Studio Interface:  Solution Explorer: Displays the files and resources in your project.  Code Editor: The main area where you write and edit your C# code.  Output Window: Shows compilation results, errors, and messages.  Error List: Displays syntax and compilation errors in your code. 4. Run Your First C# Program:  By default, Visual Studio creates a basic template for a console application with a Main method.  Click on the "Start" button (or press F5) to compile and run the program. The output will be displayed in the console window. Visual Studio simplifies the development process by providing tools for code completion, debugging, and testing, making it easier for beginners to learn and write C# code efficiently. Basic Syntax and Structure of a C# Program Structure of a C# Program A basic C# program is composed of the following elements:  Namespaces: Used to organize code into a hierarchical structure and prevent naming conflicts. The using keyword is employed to include namespaces.  Classes: The core building blocks of a C# application. A class defines the properties and behaviors of objects.  Methods: Functions defined within a class that describe the actions an object can perform. The Main method is the entry point of any C# console application. Example of a Basic C# Program:  Namespaces: In this example, the System namespace is included, which contains fundamental classes like Console.  Classes: The Program class is where the Main method is defined.  Methods: The Main method is where the program begins execution. The Console.WriteLine method is used to print "Hello, World!" to the console. Writing and Running a "Hello, World!" Program 1. Open Visual Studio and Create a New Console App Project: Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 3 Computer Programming 1 Module 1  Name the project "HelloWorld" and select the appropriate.NET framework version. 2. Write the Code:  Replace the code in the Program.cs file with the example above. 3. Compile and Run:  Click the "Start" button to run the program. The console window will display the text "Hello, World!" This simple program introduces the basic syntax of C#, including the use of namespaces, classes, methods, and statements. Understanding this structure is crucial for developing more complex applications. Key Elements of C# Syntax Statements and Expressions In C#, a statement is a complete instruction that tells the compiler to perform a specific action. Statements typically end with a semicolon (;). An expression is a combination of variables, operators, and method invocations that can be evaluated to produce a value. Example of Statements: In the example above:  The first statement declares an integer variable x and assigns it the value 5.  The second statement adds 10 to x.  The third statement prints the value of x to the console. Comments Comments are non-executable text in a program that serves as documentation for the code. C# supports three types of comments: 1. Single-line comments: Begin with // and continue to the end of the line.  Example: // This is a single-line comment 2. Multi-line comments: Begin with , allowing comments to span multiple lines.  Example: 3. XML documentation comments: Begin with /// and are used to generate documentation from the code.  Example: /// This method adds two numbers Importance of Comments:  Comments enhance code readability and maintainability.  They provide explanations for complex code segments.  In professional development environments, comments are crucial for team collaboration and future code revisions. Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 4 Computer Programming 1 Module 1 Examples and Case Studies Example 1: Simple Calculator Program This example builds on the concepts learned by creating a basic calculator that adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides two numbers. Explanation:  Console Input/Output: The program prompts the user to enter two numbers and an operation.  Data Types and Variables: The program uses the double data type to handle numbers and char for the operation.  Control Structures: The switch statement selects the appropriate operation based on user input. This example demonstrates basic input/output operations, variable handling, and control structures in C#. Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 5 Computer Programming 1 Module 1 Coding Exercises Exercise 1: Modify the "Hello, World!" Program  Task: Modify the program to ask the user for their name and then greet them by name.  Example Output: Exercise 2: Create a Temperature Converter  Task: Write a program that converts temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa. The user should be able to input the temperature and the conversion direction.  Example Formula: Exercise 3: Develop a Basic Age Calculator  Task: Ask the user for their birth year and calculate their age.  Example Output: Glossary of Terms Programming: The process of creating a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task. C#: A modern, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of the.NET framework. IDE (Integrated Development Environment): Software that provides comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development, including code editing, debugging, and compiling. Namespace: A container that holds classes, structures, and other data types, helping to organize and manage code. Main Method: The entry point of a C# program, where execution begins. Summary and Conclusion Recap of Key Points  Programming is the foundation of computing, and C# is a powerful language used to develop a wide range of applications.  Setting up a development environment is crucial to begin coding effectively. Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 6 Computer Programming 1 Module 1  The structure of a C# program is essential to understand, particularly the role of the Main method.  Writing and running a simple "Hello, World!" program is the first step in becoming familiar with C# syntax. Final Thoughts Understanding the basics of programming and C# provides a strong foundation for more advanced topics in computer science. Mastery of these fundamental concepts is essential for success in further programming courses. References Albahari, J., & Albahari, B. (2021). C# 9.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference. O'Reilly Media. Richter, J. (2020). CLR via C# (Developer Reference). Microsoft Press. Troelsen, A., & Japikse, P. (2021). Pro C# 9 with.NET 5: Foundational Principles and Practices in Programming. Apress. Colegio de Kidapawan, Inc. | ITE and CpE Department 7