Lecture Notes: Binary, Abstraction, and Programming Languages

Key Concepts

Binary and Abstraction

• Computers run basic instructions rapidly using binary (zeros and ones).
• Binary:
  • Represents high and low voltages in a machine.
  • Easier to work with than direct voltages.
• Abstraction:
  • Concepts that simplify reality for easier understanding.
  • Examples include steering mechanisms in cars and binary for voltages.

Programming Languages

• Purpose: Simplify coding by using text and symbols instead of binary.
• Code: The text written in a programming language, translated into binary for execution.
• C Programming Language:
  • Widely used across multiple operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.).
  • Offers flexibility to build various applications.

Levels of Programming Languages

Higher-Level Languages

• More abstraction.
• Easier to use; allows humans to express intent effectively.

Lower-Level Languages

• Closer to how computers work.
• Offers more control but requires more understanding of computer operations.

C Language Specifics

• Low-Level Language:
  • Few frills, requires knowledge of computer workings.
  • Gives a lot of control (useful in high-performance computing, AAA games).
  • Learning C provides foundational understanding and flexibility.
• Benefits of Learning C:
  1. Control: Direct communication with the computer.
  2. Understanding: Insights into higher-level languages and hardware interaction.
  3. Longevity: C's stability and unchanging nature make it a timeless choice.

Practical Applications

• Past experiments involved low-level programming for problem-solving.
• Future experiments include comparing program languages to understand their abstraction levels.

Next Steps

• Introduction to tools for getting started with C programming in the upcoming video.