Programming Lecture Notes

Key Concepts Covered

• Data Types: Understanding variables and arrays as foundational elements.
• Control Flow: Using conditional statements (if, else if, else) and loops to manage program flow.
• Organization: Importance of using functions, objects, and classes to create modular code.

Focus on Algorithms

• Definition: Algorithms are procedures or steps to perform a task.
• Process for Developing Algorithms:
  1. Idea Generation: State the idea clearly.
  2. Pseudocode: Outline steps in natural language without syntax.
  3. Coding: Translate pseudocode into actual code.
  4. Modularity: Use functions and classes to organize code.
  5. Integration: Ensure different code parts work together, debugging as necessary.

Example: Bouncing Balls Program

• Concept: Balls change color upon intersection and a line connects their centers.
• Steps:
  • Draw and move forms on screen.
  • Make forms bounce at screen edges.
  • Change fill color and draw lines upon intersection.

Coding Approach

• Class Ball:

  • Attributes: radius, x, y, xSpeed, ySpeed, color.
  • Methods: move, checkEdges, highlight, display, intersects.

• Intersection Logic:

  • Use distance formula to determine if circles intersect based on center positions and radii.

• Implementation:

  • Create an array of balls.
  • Use loops to move, check intersections, and display balls.
  • Draw lines between intersecting balls.

Additional Concepts

Timers

• Two methods for timers:
  • Object-Oriented: Creating a Timer class.
  • Mathematical/Modulo: Using modulo with frameCount or millis.

Generative Visuals

• Wave Function Example:

  • Classes created for vertical (Wave) and horizontal (HWave) wave animations.
  • Adjust parameters like theta, increment, number, and color for customization.

• Implementation:

  • Initialize arrays of wave objects.
  • Use loops for animation.
  • Conditional logic to alternate between vertical and horizontal waves using timers.

Practical Tips

• Utilize object properties and methods through dot syntax for efficient data handling.
• Integrate randomness to introduce visual variations.
• Practice refactoring and modularizing code for clean and efficient programming.

Conclusion

• Understanding and applying algorithms, control structures, and object-oriented programming are crucial for developing complex programs.
• Use practical examples like the bouncing balls and wave functions to reinforce concepts.
• Experiment with timers and transitions to enhance dynamic visualizations.