Lecture Notes: Introduction to Programming and Flow Control

Key Concepts

• Humans vs Computers
  • Humans are smarter than computers.
  • Programmers write instructions (code) for computers to follow.

What is Code?

• Code: A language that computers understand.
• Purpose of code: To make a program run or work.
• Example applications of code:
  • Moving a character across a screen
  • Entire games

Flow Control Structures

• There are three basic flow control structures:
  1. Sequence
  2. Selection
  3. Iteration

Focus: Sequence

• Definition of Sequence:
  • An order of events.
  • Everything we do can be broken into a series of steps (algorithm).

Algorithm Explained

• An algorithm is the order of events followed to complete a task.
• Example: Washing hands
  1. Get hands wet
  2. Get soap
  3. Wash off soap
  4. Dry hands

Importance of Specific Instructions

• Humans can follow general steps, but computers need detailed instructions.
• Example questions for a computer:
  • How to move towards the sink?
  • How to turn the water on?
  • How long to rub hands together?

Bugs in Programming

• Definition of a Bug:
  • An error in the code that prevents proper functioning.
• Effects of Bugs:
  • Programs can crash, freeze, or malfunction.

Debugging

• Debugging: The process of finding and fixing mistakes in code.
• Similar to correcting errors in writing or math.

Practice Activity

• Task: Put commands in the correct sequence to instruct a character (fuzz) through a maze.
• Reminder: If there's a bug, try again!