Overview
This lecture introduces key programming concepts, including software and hardware, types of programmers, steps in problem solving, elements of programming, and programming paradigms.
Software and Hardware
- Software is a set of instructions that direct hardware to perform tasks (e.g., Word, Photoshop, device drivers).
- Hardware refers to the physical and tangible parts of a computer such as mouse, keyboard, monitor, and printer.
- Device drivers are software that enable the hardware to function with the computer system.
- Application software (e.g., games, calculator) and system software (e.g., operating system) are types of software.
Types of Programmers
- System programmers write codes for system-level software or solutions for specific problems.
- Application programmers create software for specific applications and include database, web, game, and micro device programmers.
- Micro device programmers work on programming hardware devices like CPUs and processors.
Problem Solving Steps in Programming
- The programming problem-solving process includes: planning, analysis, design, development, testing, debugging, and documentation.
- Analysis involves understanding requirements and user needs.
- Design focuses on structure, interface, and data storage.
- Development is the actual coding phase.
- Testing and debugging ensure the program works and errors are fixed.
- Documentation provides user manuals and update procedures.
Elements of Programming
- Input: Data entered by the user or through sensors.
- Data: Storage of input for processing.
- Operations: Actions like addition, subtraction, comparison (mathematical, relational, logical operations).
- Output: Results displayed or extracted from the system.
- Conditional Execution: Using if-else or switch statements to make decisions in code.
- Loops: Repeating a set of instructions until a condition is met.
- Subroutines/Functions: Modular code blocks to simplify and reuse code.
Programming Paradigms
- Programming paradigm is the style or method of programming.
- Common paradigms include procedural, object-oriented, modular, and data abstraction.
- Paradigms help organize code and improve collaboration and maintenance.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Software — Instructions that tell hardware what to do.
- Hardware — Physical parts of a computer system.
- Device Driver — Software enabling hardware operation.
- System Programmer — Developer of system-level code.
- Application Programmer — Developer focused on specific applications.
- Input — Data provided to the program.
- Output — Information produced by the program.
- Conditional Execution — Running code based on specific conditions.
- Loop — Repeating code execution until a condition is met.
- Subroutine/Function — Reusable block of programmable code.
- Programming Paradigm — Approach or style of programming.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review notes on each programming concept.
- Prepare for an in-depth discussion of programming elements in Unit 2.