Unit 1 - Introduction to Programming and Flowcharting

Programming

the process of preparing an instructional program for a device (such as a computer)

Program

set of instructions that helps the computer to perform tasks

Syntax

rules of any language

Syntax errors

an error that happens when a program doesn't follow a certain rule of a language

Run-time errors

an error that happens during run time

Logical errors

hardest type of error where you need to locate the bug

Programming language

used to write a program or set of instructions

Interpreter

program that translates programming language instructions one line at a time

Compiler

translates entire program at one time

Control structures

logic components in programs like sequence, selection, and loop structures

Procedural programs

consist of a series of steps or procedures that take place one after the other

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

phases include project planning, requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance

Flowchart

graphical representation of the steps in a process

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

a coding tool that aids in automating the editing, compiling, testing, and other steps of an SDLC

learning both its vocabulary and syntax

Learning a computer programming language requires

Sequence structure

steps execute one after another, without interruption

Selection structure

used to perform different tasks based on a condition

Loop structure

repeats actions while some condition remains unchanged

Software development

process of creating, testing, and maintaining software products and services that meet users needs

Machine Level Language

the lowest level, handles binary, directly interacts with the system, and is not portable and non-readable

Assembly Level Language

the middle level, consists of commands, uses symbols, should have an assembler to translate assembly to machine, and human-readable

High-level Language

uses format that is familiar to users, consists of instructions called coded or scripts, and needs a compiler and an interpreter to covert high-level to machine