Introduction to Programming and Binary Systems

Jul 18, 2024

Lecture: Introduction to Programming

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Rohit Negi
  • Background: B.Tech from Tier-3 college; GATE CSE rank 202; IIT Guwahati; 12+ coding questions solved; Highest placement in India (₹2 Crore+); Worked at a startup; Passion for teaching.
  • Course Structure: Basic to Advanced DSA in 6 months
    • Videos from Monday to Friday at 6:00 AM

Lecture Plan

  • Today's Video: Introduction to Programming
  • Approach: Real-world examples, starting from basics

Historical Context

Primitive Man

  • Tasks: Eating, sleeping, hunting
  • Counting System: Telemark system for counting goats (stones in pocket)

Evolution of Number Systems

  • Problems: Counting inefficiencies with stones
  • Invention: Decimal system by Indians (0 to 9)
  • Egyptians: Used base-60 system
  • Adoption: Decimal became universal due to arithmetic simplicity

Programming & Computers

  • Mechanical Computers: Initially large and mechanical, requiring human operation
  • Invention of Transistors: Revolutionized computing (smaller size, binary system)
  • Binary System (Base-2): Only 0 and 1
    • Ex. 1 + 1 = 10 (binary addition)
    • Conversion: Decimal to binary using division by 2 and remainders
    • Reverse Conversion: Binary to decimal using positional values

Importance of Binary System

  • Real-World Implementation: Transistors (on = 1, off = 0)
  • Efficient Storage: Transistors allow storing larger numbers in less space
    • Ex. 10 bulbs can store up to 1024 different numbers

Advanced Number Systems

Octal (Base-8)

  • Digits: 0 to 7
  • Conversions: To and from decimal and binary
  • Example:
    • Decimal to octal: 23 → 27 (using base 8)
    • Octal to decimal: 27 → 23 (using positional values)

Hexadecimal (Base-16)

  • Digits: 0-9 and A-F (A=10, B=11, etc.)
  • Reason: Uniqueness for identification (avoid confusion like 11 with B)
  • Example:
    • Decimal to hex: 11 → B
    • Hex to decimal: A2 (A=10, 2) → 162

Historical Developments

  • Gordon Moore's Law: Transistor capacity doubles every 2 years
  • Improvements: From large mechanical computers to advanced microprocessors

Programming Languages

Language Evolution

  1. Machine Language: Fastest, uses 0 and 1
  2. Assembly Language: Easier, uses mnemonics (e.g., ADD)
  3. High-Level Languages: User-friendly, closer to English (e.g., Java, Python)
  • Compilers and Interpreters: Translate high-level code to machine code

Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)

  • Concepts: Efficient data storage and retrieval
  • Example from Commerce: Organizing store inventory for quick access
  • Goal: Minimize space and time in data processing

Practical Examples

  • Counting Sum: Different approaches (slow vs. optimized)
    • Gudd vs. Bubl Example: Manual sum vs. optimized formula
  • Implementation: Efficient instructions and algorithm for computer tasks

Homework

Conversion Exercises

  1. Decimal to Binary:
    • Convert 37, 92, and 128 to binary
  2. Binary to Decimal:
    • Convert 1010, 1000, and 1101 to decimal

Additional Systems

  • Introduction: Octal and Hexadecimal systems
  • More Details to follow in the next lecture

Conclusion

  • Summary: Evolution from primitive counting to advanced computing
  • Upcoming: Flowchart in the next lecture
  • Consistency: Key to mastering the course