Difference between revisions of "What is Programming?"

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{{1010Chapter|ChapterNum=1
 
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|Introduction='''Programming''', simply put, is the act of writing computer programs.  Everything you do on a computer, from playing Minesweeper to typing your homework, requires the use of a computer program of some sort.  Programs are essentially a series of instructions written down for a computer to follow.
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|Introduction=After Reading this chapter you should be able to:
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<ul>
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Writing instructions is a deceptively difficult task.  People are very good at intuitively breaking down tasks into simple steps.  Someone can tell you "go buy some bread", and you immediately form a series of steps without thinking of them:
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<li>Understand that programming is breaking a problem into steps
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#Go upstairs and get your wallet out of your sock drawer
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<li>Write steps to break down simple problems
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#Put your wallet into your pocket
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<li>Learn an approach to problem solving you can use throughout the term.
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#Go back downstairs and get the car keys
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</ul>
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#Drive to the store and park in the parking lot
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#Walk to the bread aisle in the store
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#Choose a loaf and pay for it
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#Drive back home
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Some of these steps can even be broken down into smaller, more detailed steps.  How do you walk up a flight of stairs?  How do you drive a car?  There is a near-infinite series of steps that you ''could'' think of to do a task as seemingly simple as buying a loaf of bread.
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Fortunately, in COMP 1010 you will not be writing anything nearly that complicated.  Computers may be fast, but they are only as "smart" as their programmers.  This chapter will give you a brief introduction to writing instructions for computers to follow.
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Revision as of 14:39, 11 August 2010


Wiki 1010 Table of Contents

Wiki start01.jpg

Chapter 1

After Reading this chapter you should be able to:

  • Understand that programming is breaking a problem into steps
  • Write steps to break down simple problems
  • Learn an approach to problem solving you can use throughout the term.


  Write a Program a Day Case Studies

The Programming Process

Anatomy of a Program

Review Questions and Exercises

Solutions

Further Reading    (Note that the material in this section is not examinable)



Chapter 0: What is Programming? Table of Contents Chapter 2: Java Fundamentals



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