Scribd
Upload
0 views12 pages

Introduction to Programming Concepts

The document provides an overview of programming concepts, including definitions of programming languages, computer programs, and important terms. It outlines the evolution of programming languages from machine language to high-level languages and discusses various programming techniques. Key concepts emphasize the importance of understanding programming fundamentals for efficient software development.

Uploaded by

Douglas Simiyu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
0 views12 pages

Introduction to Programming Concepts

The document provides an overview of programming concepts, including definitions of programming languages, computer programs, and important terms. It outlines the evolution of programming languages from machine language to high-level languages and discusses various programming techniques. Key concepts emphasize the importance of understanding programming fundamentals for efficient software development.

Uploaded by

Douglas Simiyu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1/ 12

What's the one most

memorable thing
you did over the
school break?
Introduction to Programming
Concepts
Learning Objectives
You will learn the following
• Programming languages
• Generation of programming languages
• Computer language translators
• Important terms and definition
Introduction
• A computer requires instructions to perform any task.
• These instructions are written and run in a specific sequence and are called a
computer program
Important Terms and Definitions
• Computer Program: A sequence of instructions written in a programming
language to perform a specific task.
• Programming Language: A formal language consisting of a set of
instructions that can be used to produce various kinds of output, including
software applications.
• Variables: Named storage locations in memory that hold data values.
• Control Structures: Constructs that dictate the flow of control in a program
(e.g., loops, conditionals).
• Data Types: Classifications of data items (e.g., integers, strings, booleans).
Evolution of Programming Languages
• Machine Language: The lowest-level programming language, consisting of
binary code directly understood by the computer's CPU.
• Assembly Language: A low-level language that uses symbolic representations
of machine code, making it slightly easier to write and understand. E.g instead
of 100101010 it uses words like ADD, SUB, STO
• High-Level Languages: Languages like Python, Java, and C++ that are more
abstract and closer to human languages, allowing for easier coding and
readability.
Generational Classification:
• First Generation(1GL): Machine language.
• Second Generation(2GL): Assembly language.
• Third Generation(3GL): High-level languages (e.g., C, Java).
• Fourth Generation(4GL): Languages focused on database management (e.g.,
SQL).
• Fifth Generation(5GL): Languages based on artificial intelligence (e.g.,
Prolog).
Computer Language Translators
• Compiler: A translator that converts the entire high-level program code into
machine code before execution.
• Interpreter: A translator that coverts the high-level program line-by-line(one
line at a time.
• Assembler: A translator that converts an assembly language program into
machine code.
Other important terms
• Translator – Converts instructions written in a given computer
language to another
• Source code – The text translated by a translator
• Object code – The result produced by a translator
Programming techniques
1. Modular Programming: This is a way of organizing code by breaking
it into smaller, independent pieces called modules.

2. Procedural Programming: This programming style focuses on


writing procedures or functions that perform tasks in a specific
order.

3. Non-Procedural Programming: This type of programming allows


users to specify what they want to achieve without detailing how to
do it.
4. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): In OOP, programs are designed
using objects, which are collections of data and functions that operate on
that data.

5. Event-Driven Programming: This programming paradigm is based on


responding to events, such as user actions (like clicks or key presses).

6. Rapid Application Development (RAD): RAD is a process of rapidly


creating applications without extensive pre-planning. It allows developers
to create applications faster by using tools and techniques that facilitate
rapid changes based on user feedback
Summary of Key Concepts
• Programming involves writing, compiling, running, and debugging programs.
• Understanding basic programming concepts is crucial for developing software
efficiently.
• The choice of programming language can affect the complexity and
performance of software applications.

You might also like