Introduction to Computer Science Workshop

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Richard
• Background: Computer Science
• Course: Part of "Learn to Code for Beginners" track
• Enrollment: $5 for a limited time (80% off)

What is Computer Science?

• No set definition; varies by university/organization.
• Definition: Study and design of algorithms, computations, and information systems (both theory and practice).
• Computers are tools in computer science, similar to telescopes in astronomy.

Historical Context

• Charles Babbage: Considered the father of the computer.
  • Invented first mechanical computers in the 1800s.
• Ada Lovelace: Published the first computer program in the 1840s.
• ENIAC: First large-scale programmable computer (1945).
  • Size: 9 feet tall, 30 tons, $500,000 (over $7 million in 2021).
  • Clock Speed: 100,000 cycles per second.
• Personal Computers: Introduced in 1977; Apple II helped launch Apple Computer.
• Commodore 64: Best-selling computer of all time (17 million units).
• Modern Devices: E.g., iPhone 10 (2017) weighs less than half a pound, 2.1 billion cycles per second.

The Internet and World Wide Web

• Internet: Global network of interconnected computer networks.
• World Wide Web: Invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989; public access in 1991.

Computer Components

Hardware

• Definition: Physical components of a computer.
• Categories:
  • Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, camera.
  • Output Devices: Screen, printer, speakers.
  • Storage Devices: RAM, hard drives, cloud storage.

Software

• Definition: Instructions and data that make the computer work.
• System Software: Operating systems, device drivers.
• Application Software: Web browsers, word processors, mobile apps.

Data Representation

Bits and Bytes

• Bit: Smallest unit of data (0 or 1).
• Byte: Comprises 8 bits; historically used to store a single character.
• Prefixes:
  • Kilo (1,000), Mega (1 million), Giga (1 billion), Tera (1 trillion), up to Yotta (1 septillion).

Example of Data Storage

• Micro SD cards can store significantly more data now compared to 10 years ago.

Data Types in Programming

• Text: Combination of letters, numbers, symbols.
• Numeric: Whole numbers, decimals, negative numbers.
• Boolean: Represents truth values (true/false).

Introduction to Programming

Definitions

• Programming: Process of designing and writing programs.
• Program: Set of instructions in a specific programming language.
• Programming Language: Special language with syntax rules to write algorithms.

Key Concepts

• Syntax: Vocabulary and grammar of a programming language.
• Algorithm: Set of well-defined instructions performed sequentially to complete a task.

Example Algorithm: Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

1. Obtain two slices of bread, one scoop of peanut butter, and one scoop of jelly.
2. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
3. Spread jelly on the other slice.
4. Combine the two slices.
5. Slice the sandwich.
6. Enjoy!

Conclusion

• Feel free to revisit videos for a refresher.
• Encourage reaching out to the community or Treehouse staff for questions.