Starting Out

#webdev #beginners #programming

Basics of Programming

Date 02-10-2023

Resources

Key Concepts

Computer Science
Computational Thinking
Problem Solving
Inputs, Outputs
Representation | Unary, Binary, Decimal, ASCII, Unicode, Running Times
Pseudocode
Scratch | Functions, Arguments, Return Values, Variables, Boolean Expressions, Conditionals, Loops, Events, Threads

Notes

Binary and Computing

Computers operate using binary, with bits representing zero or one.
Zeros signify "off", and ones signify "on"
Computers consist of millions of transistors that switch on and off.

Lightbulb Analogy

A single lightbulb can only have two states: off (zero) or on (one).
Multiple light bulbs offer more options and states.

Binary in Text

Just as numbers use binary patterns of ones and zeros, letters are also represented in binary.
The ASCII standard maps specific letters to numbers, e.g., A to 65.

Binary in Text Messages

Text messages are encoded in binary, representing numbers.
For instance, a message might be represented as 72, 73, and 33 in binary to signify - Hi!

Problem-Solving in Computing

Problem-solving is central to computer science and programming.
Solving problems efficiently is crucial.

Phone Book Analogy

To find a name in a phone book, different search approaches can be used.
Strategies include linear search, searching two pages at a time, and binary search by dividing and conquering.

Pseudocoding Importance

Pseudocoding is crucial for two main reasons.
It helps in logic planning before writing formal code.
It provides a clear explanation of coding decisions and functionality to others.

Key Pseudocode Language Features

Pseudocode often includes unique elements:
- Verbs like "pick up," "open," "look at" that represent functions.
- Statements such as "if" or "else if," known as conditionals.
- Expressions that evaluate as true or false, called boolean expressions.
- Statements like "go back to line 3," referred to as loops.

pick up phone book

open to middle of phone book

look at names

if "Smith" is among names

call Mike

else if "Smith" is earlier in book

open to middle of left half of book

go to line 3

else if "Smith" is later in book

open to middle of right half of book

go to line 3

else

give up

Abstraction in Computer Programming

Abstraction is a vital concept in programming, alongside pseudocoding.
It involves simplifying complex problems by breaking them down into smaller, manageable problems.

Example of Abstraction

Think of hosting a large dinner; cooking the entire meal might be overwhelming.
Abstraction involves breaking down cooking tasks into smaller steps, making the overall task less challenging.

If Conditionals in Programming

"If" conditionals are fundamental in programming.
They are used to check if a specific condition is met, and based on that, the program performs certain actions.

Problem-Solving in Programming

Programming often involves trial and error.
When facing difficulties, it's essential to analyze the specific problem at hand, what's working, and what's not to find solutions.

Challenges and Questions

[None]

Reflection

[Good, interesting session, and the teacher is so engaging. I had covered most of this when I studied computing A-level however it has been a while, and so its very nice to have a refresher.]