Lecture 1: Introduction to 600L

Instructor Introduction

• Lecturer: Anna Bell (teaching in ECS department ~10 years)
• Course: Introductory computer science course (6.100a)

Course Overview

• Focus Areas:
  • Computer Science concepts
  • Programming skills (Python)
  • Problem-solving skills
• Lecture Structure:
  • Interactive; includes coding breaks (U-Try breaks)
  • Encourages participation and practice
• Resources:
  • Lecture slides (download before class)
  • Handouts with extra practice

Key Concepts

• Learning Outcomes:
  • Computational thinking
  • Python programming basics
  • Code structuring and modularity
  • Introduction to algorithms and efficiency

Knowledge Types

• Declarative Knowledge: Fact-based statements
• Imperative Knowledge: Recipe-like instructions (focus in computer science)
• Algorithm Example: Finding square roots via successive approximation

Computers and Programming

• Computer Functions:
  • Execution of algorithms
  • Data storage
  • High-speed operations
• History:
  • Shift from fixed to stored program computers

Python Programming Basics

• Primitives and Syntax:
  • Scalars: integers, floats, booleans
  • Non-scalars: structured data types
• Expressions and Operations:
  • Syntax: Object operator object
  • Operations yield specific types (e.g., division results in float)

Variables and Assignments

• Variable Use:
  • Bind names to values for readability and manageability
  • Distinction between mathematical variables and programming variables
• Variable Rules:
  • Assignment: one variable to one value
  • Variable names should be descriptive

Program Structure and Execution

• Writing Code:
  • Use comments for clarity
  • Neat and legible code is important
• Rebinding Variables:
  • Variables can be reassigned to new values
  • Execution is line by line (imperative)

Practice and Application

• Python Tutor: Tool for visualizing code execution
• Exercise: Swapping variable values using a temporary variable

Summary

• Core Ideas:
  • Creating and manipulating objects
  • Evaluating expressions to single values
  • Assigning values to variables for program clarity and function
  • Understanding the difference between declarative and imperative statements in programming
• Next Steps:
  • Future lectures will cover control flow and decision-making in programs

Closing

• This course emphasizes active participation and practice to master programming skills. Start coding early and often!