Instruction code for a computer program is based on a step-by-step
|
Jorge Valenzuela is an education coach, author and advocate. He has years of experience as a classroom and online teacher, a curriculum specialist and as a consultant. His work focuses on improving teacher preparation in project-based learning, computational thinking and computer science integration, STEM education, and equity-based restorative practices. Jorge is an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined. His book Rev Up Robotics: Real-World Computational Thinking in the K–8 Classroom is available from ISTE. This is an updated version of a post that originally published on March 20, 2018.
Show
This Article Covers Basics of Computer Programming Including Programming Concepts, Programming Languages, How to Learn Programming, Necessary Skills, etc: We will also explore how does a computer work, where can we apply these programming skills and career options for programmers.  What You Will Learn:
Computer Programming – A Complete TutorialGet ready to dive deep into the world of Computer Programming and know all about the Basics of Programming in detail. Let’s Start!! What Is Computer Programming?Computer Programming is a set of instructions, that helps the developer to perform certain tasks that return the desired output for the valid inputs. Given below is a Mathematical Expression. Z = X + Y, where X, Y, and Z are the variables in a programming language. How Do Computers Work?A computer is a machine that processes information and this information can be any data that is provided by the user through devices such as keyboards, mice, scanners, digital cameras, joysticks, and microphones. These devices are called Input Devices and the information provided is called input. The computer requires storage to store this information and the storage is called Memory. Computer Storage or Memory is of Two Types.
Processing: Operations done on this information (input data) is called Processing. The Processing of input is done in the Central Processing Unit which is popularly known as CPU. Output Devices: These are the computer hardware devices that help in converting information into human-readable form. Some of the output devices include Visual Display Units (VDU) such as a Monitor, Printer, Graphics Output devices, Plotters, Speakers, etc. A developer can analyze the problem and come up with simple steps to achieve a solution to this problem, for which he/she uses a programming algorithm. This can be compared to a recipe for a food item, where ingredients are inputs and finished delicacy is the output required by the client. [image source] In the development environment, the products, software, and solutions can be designed as scenarios, use cases, and data flow diagrams. [image source] Based on the client’s requirements, the solution required could be desktop, web or mobile-based. Basic Programming ConceptsDevelopers should have essential knowledge on the following concepts to become skilled in Computer Programming, #1) Algorithm: It is a set of steps or instruction statements to be followed to accomplish specific tasks. A developer can design his algorithm to achieve the desired output. For Example, a recipe to cook a dessert. The algorithm describes the steps to be followed for completing a specific task, but it does not say how to achieve any of the steps. #2) Source code: Source code is the actual text that is used to construct the program using the language of choice. For Example, it is mandatory to have the main method in Java and the text used is as shown below. public static void main(String arg[]) {
//Steps to be performed
}#3) Compiler: Compiler is a software program that helps in converting the source code into binary code or byte code, also called machine language, that is easy for a computer to understand, and can be further executed using an interpreter to run the program. #4) Data Type: Data used in the applications can be of a different type, it can be a whole number (integer), floating-point (decimal point numbers), characters or objects. For Example, double currency = 45.86, where double is a data type used for storing numbers with decimal points. #5) Variable: Variable is a space holder for the value stored in the memory and this value can be used in the application. For Example, int age = 25, where age is a variable. #6) Conditionals: Knowledge of how to use a certain condition, such that a set of code should execute only if a certain condition is true. In case of a false condition, the program should exit and should not continue the code further. #7) Array: Array is the variable that stores elements of a similar data type. Knowledge of using an array in coding/programming will be a great benefit. #8) Loop: Loop is used to execute the series of code until the condition is true. For Example, in Java, loops can be used as for loop, do-while, while loop or enhanced for loop. The code for loop is as shown below: for (int I =0; i<10; i++) {System.out.println(i); }#9) Function: Functions or methods are used to accomplish a task in programming, a function can take parameters and process them to get the desired output. Functions are used to reuse them whenever required at any place repeatedly. #10) Class: Class is like a template that contains state and behavior, which corresponding to programming is field and method. In Object-Oriented languages like Java, everything revolves around Class and Object. Essentials Of A Programming LanguageJust like any other language we use to communicate with others, a programming language is a special language or a set of instructions to communicate with computers. Each programming language has a set of rules (like English has grammar) to follow and it is used to implement the algorithm to produce the desired output. Top Computer Programming Languages The below table enlists the top Computer Programming Languages and their applications in real life. Programming LanguagePopularityPractical Applications of LanguagesJava1Desktop GUI application (AWT or Swing api), Applets, online shopping sites, internet banking, jar files for secured file handling, enterprise applications, mobile applications, gaming software.C2Operating Systems, Embedded systems, Database management systems, Compiler, gaming and animation.Python3Machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data analysis, face detection and image recognition Software.C++4Banking and trading enterprise software, virtual machines and compilers.Visual Basic .NET5Windows services, controls, control libraries, Web applications, Web services.C#6Desktop applications like a file explorer, Microsoft office applications like Word, Excel , Web browsers, Adobe Photoshop.JavaScript7Client side and server side validations, DOM handling, developing web elements using jQuery (JS library).PHP8Static and dynamic websites and applications, Server side scripting.SQL9Querying database, CRUD operations in database programming, creating a stored procedure, triggers, database management.Objective – C10Apple’s OS X, iOS operating system and APIs, Cocoa and Cocoa Touch. Let’s see how to select a programming language. The selection of particular programming languages depends on many factors such as:
Types Of Computer Programming LanguagesComputer Programming language can be divided into two types i.e. Low-level Language, and High-level Language. #1) Low-level Language
Low-level Language can be further divided into two categories,
#2) High-level Language
High-level Language can be further divided into three categories.
Basic Operations Of A Programming EnvironmentFive basic elements or operations of programming are listed below:
For Example, for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
{
System.out.println(i);
}Necessary Prerequisites/Skills Required For Programming#1) Self Reliance: To succeed in coding, you should develop a confidence in yourself, control your impatience, frustration and should refrain from being dependent on someone else to help you in solving your technical problems, rather you should be self-reliant and keep faith on your capabilities, monitor your efforts and remain optimistic and perseverant in learning. #2) Language: It is an individual’s choice to decide which programming languages he/she should learn. A programming language should be selected based on its acceptance in the various domains in software industries. Object-oriented languages like Python and Java, which are free & open-source are widely accepted and used by Google, Yahoo, and NASA. Java script is another scripting language, a client-side scripting language, but knowing Javascript will highly benefit web-based application developers. Non-procedural language like SQL is mandatory as it is acceptable by all the back-end databases. Click this link for learning an online exercise for SQL. #3) Logic: As a developer or tester, to excel in the programming language, one must always have conditional and logical thinking. It can be improved as we improve our muscles, there are a few sites where one can prepare and improve logical thinking and prepare for programming language.
#4) Attention to Detail: A conscientious and alert person with an eye for details will check his/her work for minute details and this will prevent any syntax error, verify if any steps like unit testing or including API /classes, miss associated jar or class files. For some people, meditation might help to improve focus and concentration while for others taking a walk or playing some mind games might help. You need to find out what works for you. #5) Abstract Thinking: During sprint meeting in an agile environment, the ability to think out of the box, or see things from different angles/perspectives, help to uncover scenarios for requirements and design considerations. This can be improved by a discussion with others. #6) Patience: At times, it happens as you write a code, for which you are confident about, verified it a couple of types, it works in your machine, but after integration the code snippet does not work, all the effort to identify the fault go in vain, you feel stressed out, frustrated and feel like good for nothing. During such times, your ability to overcome the situation, try again from scratch and develop patience will prove the developer to be more mature and he/she gets appreciated for the ability to work under pressure environments like releases and acceptance testing or during client demos. #7) Strong Memory: Being able to understand and visualize the high-level design, data flow, algorithm, data structure, how they interact with each other will separate you from an average coder. Meditation techniques and memory exercises can help with this as well. How To Start Learning Computer Programming?As a human, you should have the habit to introspect daily and identify what you have done today, how can you improve yourself, what steps or precautions you will take to avoid difficult situations. Similarly, consider the below points before learning computer programming.
Where Can We Apply The Skills Of Programming?
Working in a team at times can result in conflict, due to attitude issues. Hence, by understanding the goal to get better products or improve productivity, anyone can play the role of an excellent team player role. Career Options For ProgrammersThe career options as a programmer or software developer are many. The areas or positions for computer programmer are as follows:
In the Software Development department his/her responsibilities include the following duties:
ConclusionThrough this article, we learned about the internals of computers, how computers work, programming concepts, essentials of programming languages, and basic operations of the programming environment. Suggested reading =>> Scripting language vs programming language We also discussed pre-requisites for programming, the necessary skills required for becoming a programmer, how to start learning and the prospects and career options available in the computer programming field. What are the step by step instructions of writing a computer program called?The process of writing computer instructions in a programming language is known as Coding.. A computer program is usually written by a computer programmer in a programming language. ... . That line of code is written in the Python programming language.. What is instruction in computer program?A computer instruction is an order given to a computer processor by a computer program. At the lowest level, each instruction is a sequence of 0s and 1s that describes a physical operation the computer is to perform. Computer instructions typically have three fields.
What is the first step before Coding a computer program?The first step is to examine the problem carefully to try to identify what qualifies as a solution. A single problem may have many different solutions, but they will all have something in common. So here you're trying to work out exactly what your program will be required to do. and display the result for the user.
|
