Concept of Computer Programming November 2, 2011

For Today: What is a computer program? Computer Buzz words! Following Directions Quiz Drawing Pictures Activity

What is a Computer Program? Computer programs are collections of instructions that tell a computer how to interact with the user, and how to interact with the computer hardware and process data.

Example of Java class myexample { public static void main (String args []) { int age; double salary; String middle_initial; age = 21; salary = ; middle_initial = "K"; System.out.println ("I am " + age + " years old "); System.out.println ("I make " + salary + " per year"); System.out.println ("My middle initial is " + middle_initial); } }

How? Higher level languages such as "C", C++, Pascal, Cobol, Fortran, ADA and Java are called "compiled languages". In a compiled language, the programmer writes more general instructions and a compiler (a special piece of software) automatically translates these high level instructions into machine language. The machine language is then executed by the computer. A large portion of software in use today is programmed in this fashion.

Computer Buzz Words that you should know! The following terms are essential knowledge to anyone who wants to become skilled in computer programming. These concepts are present in the majority of computer programming languages and/or are a fundamental part of the programming process.

Algorithm A set of steps for carrying out a task. Used to arrive at a solution for a problem. The process of creating an algorithm involves documenting all the necessary steps needed to arrive at the solution and how to perform each step. A real world example would be a recipe. The instructions of a typical recipe (add ingredients, mix, stir, etc.) are an algorithm.

Source code The actual text used to write the instructions for a computer program. This text is then translated into something meaningful the computer can understand. Example: a = b + c; If a = 10 then divide by 2;

Compiler A software tool that translates source code into data that the computer can understand. A compiler is used to turn source code into object code. The object code is then passed through a program called a linker which turns it into an executable program.

Data type The classification of pieces of information in a program. The data types varies between languages. Typically, there are data types for integers (whole numbers), floating-point numbers (numbers with a decimal part), and single characters. Example: char name;

Loop A segment of code that executes repeatedly based on a certain condition. Loops are used to perform tasks repeatedly a certain amount of times. For example, if you needed to print the numbers 1 to 10. You can use a loop for this task instead of manually printing all the numbers.

Syntax Refers to the spelling and grammar of a programming language. Computers are inflexible machines that understand what you type only if you type it in the exact form that the computer expects.

So, What is a Computer Program?

Following Directions Quiz! When I say ‘Turn your paper over’ do so! Read the instructions. You have 5 minutes to complete the quiz.

Did you complete the quiz correctly? Take a look at your paper. A perfect paper is one which has only the word ‘December’ written in the top left corner! Remember: The directions said to read all parts of the test before doing anything and step 14 says to only complete step #3.

Drawing Pictures Activity When I say ‘Turn your paper over’ do so! You have 10 minutes to complete.

Drawing Pictures Activity Is there anyone who would like to show their pictures? Volunteers?

The End! Homework: Test next week! Take a look at the powerpoints from the Tomorrow we will continue with computer programming and review!