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Chapter 1
Introduction to Computer Programming
By:
Mr. Baha Hanene
Learning outcomes
In this chapter we will cover learning outcome L01
partially.
 Discuss the features of a high-level language (L01).
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What is a Computer
Hardware & Software Divisions
Data & Information
Programming Introduction
Programming Languages
Translators
What is a computer
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A computer is a dull machine.
It requires Human / Instructions to work.
It performs only three tasks
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Input
•
Processing
•
Output
MAJOR COMPONENTS
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Hardware:
All Tangible / Touchable parts of a computer are called hardware
(Monitor, System Unit, Keyboard, Mouse etc.)
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Software:
All Non-Tangible parts of computer are called software
(Microsoft Windows, MS Office & Computer Games)
Hardware & software divisions
A computer Hardware can be divided into four parts.
 Input Units
(Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner etc.)
 Output Units
(Monitor, Printer, Projector etc.)
 Storage Devices (Hard Disks, Floppy, CD,DVD etc.)
 Process Units
(Central Processing Units CPU )
A computer software can be divided into two parts.
 Application Software
(Pinball Game, MS Word, Programming Languages etc.)
 System Software
(Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, Dos etc.)
Data & information
Data: All unprocessed / raw / unrecognized collection of facts is called Data.
e.g.
Soccer, 23, Abu Dhabi.
Information: When we process that raw data in a manner that it start giving sense,
is called information.
e.g.
A soccer match to be held on 23rd Feb, 2010 in Abu Dhabi.
Algorithm
DATA / INPUT :
INSTRUCTION :
INFORMATION :
50 & 3
Multiply (x)
150
What is computer programming
Definition: It is basically a set of instructions given to a computer to perform
specific tasks
or
Definition: It’s the way you communicate with computer to perform the selected
operations of your own choice.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PROGRAM
There are basically 7 different steps towards the development of a computer
program.
 Define the problem
 Outline the solution
 Develop the outline into an algorithm
 Test the algorithm
 Code the algorithm
 Run the program
 Document & maintain the program
Programming languages
The special language you use to instruct
computer for performing different tasks is
called computer programming language.
There are mainly two types of
programming languages
 High Level Languages (VB/VB.Net,
C/C++, COBOL, Fortran, Java etc.)
 Low Level Languages (Assembly
Language)
Translator
A Translator is a set of program that translates High level language into Low level
Language or machine understandable language or machine codes.
There are three types of translator:
 Assembler
 Compiler
 Interpreter
Assembler
An assembler is a program that takes basic computer instructions and converts
them into a pattern of bits that the computer's processor can use to perform its
basic operations
translator
Compiler
It is used to compile (translate) the programs written in High level languages into its
equivalent machine codes. It compiles whole program at once and then gives detail
about the total no. of Errors. It is faster than Interpreter.
Interpreter
It is used to interpret (translate) the programs written in High level languages into its
equivalent machine codes. It interprets one line at a time. It stops on syntax errors
that is why the process of debugging is faster in it. It is slower than Compiler.
Debugging
It is the process of locating and correcting errors in a program.