Types of Programming Languages Lecture

Importance of Learning Different Types of Languages

• Necessary for understanding data structures, algorithms, and basic concepts.
• Will be useful for studying in Java and other languages like Python or C++.

Basics of Programming Languages

• Internally, computers operate using binary numbers (0s and 1s).
• Programming languages translate human-readable code into machine-readable binary code.

Procedural Language

• Early form of programming that specifies structured steps and procedures to compose a program.
  • Example: Input numbers, add them, then print the result.
• Can involve loops, statements, functions, and commands.
• Languages like Java, Python, C++ follow procedural principles.

Functional Language

• Programs are written using pure functions.
• Functions: Bundles of reusable code blocks.
• Pure functions don’t modify variables but create new ones as output.
• Useful for operations involving the same data set without modifying the original data.
• Example: Python follows some functional programming principles.
• First-class functions: Functions can be treated like variables (e.g., assigned to other functions).

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Revolves around objects, which are combinations of code and data.
• Classes define custom data types and properties; instances of classes are called objects.
• Makes it easier to develop, debug, and maintain software.
  • Example: A car object can have separate sections of code for engine, steering, etc.
• Languages like Java, Python, C++ support OOP.

Hybrid Languages

• Languages can be a mix of procedural, functional, and OOP principles.
  • Example: Java and Python support multiple paradigms.

Static vs. Dynamic Languages

Static Languages

• Type checking is performed at compile time.
• Errors are detected before running the program.
• Example: int a = 10; specifying the type beforehand.
• Offers more control and reduces run-time errors.

Dynamic Languages

• Type checking is performed at runtime.
• Errors may not show until the program is running.
• You don’t need to declare types explicitly.
• Example: a = 10; a = "kunal" which will work in Python.
• Saves time in writing code.

Memory Management

• Two types of memory: Stack and Heap.
• Stack Memory: Stores variables and function calls.
• Heap Memory: Stores actual data or objects.
• Variables in the stack point to objects in the heap.
• Example: a = 10 where ‘a’ points to the value 10 in heap.
• Multiple reference variables can point to the same object.
• Objects without reference variables are cleaned up by Garbage Collection.

Final Notes

• Objects and memory management will be covered in-depth in future modules.
• Java will be used for learning OOP principles in detail, covering inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, etc.
• Watch the next video for detailed explanations of the memory and reference variables concepts.

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