Computer Programming

Programming

It is a way of giving computer instructions about what they should do next.

Code

The instructions that the computers received.

Computer Program

A list or sequence of instructions that tell a computer what to do.
Written in a programming language.

Programming Language

A type of written  language that tells the computer what to do in order to work.

Syntax

The grammar of all programming languages.

Source Code

A well-written set of instructions and statements to develop  a program.

Language Translator

Translates source code to machine language.
This has three different types.

Interpreter

Translates each statement or one line at a time and executed immediately after translation.
Used by Javascript, Python and Ruby.

Compiler

Translate all statements at one time. It provides all the  error messages — Called diagnostic- at once.
Used by C, C++, Java.

Low-Level Language

Instruction tied directly to one type of computer.

Fastest language in terms of processing time.

High-Level Language

Uses English-like instructions and can be run on variety of computer types.

Machine Language

Within a computer, all data is represented by microscopic electronic switches that can be either OFF or ON.

Assembly Language

A programming language that uses symbols or names instead of opcodes and decimal numbers or labels for memory addresses.

Programming Paradigm

A style or method of programming used to solve problems with a programming language.

Serves as a way to categorize programming languages according to their features.

Procedure-Oriented Program

The programmer focuses on the main tasks the program must do and gives the computer step-by-step instructions from start to finish.

Object-Oriented Program

The programmer focuses on the objects the program will use to achieve its goal.

Program Development Life Cycle

A set of steps or phases that are used to develop a program in any programming language.

Phases

Steps in program developments.

Requirement Analysis

It is about gathering information and defining the features or characteristics that the system must have.

System Design

The program design process shows the algorithm used to solve a problem.

Algorithm

A step-by-step set of instructions that explains how data will be processed to produce the output.

Pseudocode

An algorithm written in normal Human language statements to describe the logic and processing flow.

Flowchart

A visual representation that shows the steps and decisions in a process. Each step is inside a shape, and arrows connect the steps in order.

Coding

The actual writing of the program based on the design. It involves choosing the right programming language and following its syntax.

Testing and Debugging

Running tests to check if the program works.

Desk Checking

Manually testing the solution design to make sure that it is free of errors and that the logic works.

Debugging

Means detecting, locating, and removing all errors in a computer program.

Beta Testing

Performed by real users of the software application in a real environment.

Alpha Testing

Performed by the makers of the software application — inner testing.

Syntax Error

Mistake in using the programming language rules.

Run-Time Error

Error that happens while the program is running.

Logical Error

Mistake in the code that produces wrong or unexpected results.

Documentation & Maintenance

Done when a program is finished.

START

Beginning of pseudocode.

INPUT, ENTER, READ / GET

This is data retrieved from the user through typing or through an input device.

PRINT, OUTPUT, DISPLAY, SHOW

This will show your output to a screen or the relevant output device.

COMPUTE, CALCULATE, DETERMINE

This is used to calculate the result of an expression.

SET, INIT

To initialize values.

INCREMENT, BUMP

To increase the value of a variable.

DECREMENT

To reduce the value of a variable.

Conditional Statements

Pseudocode evaluates expressions and runs instructions based on True or False.

Iteration/Looping

Repeats a set of instructions to produce a sequence of results.

WHILE

Condition sequence.

FOR

Iteration bounds sequence.

:=

Setting a value.

==

Comparison of values.

<=

Less than or equal to.

>=

Greater than or equal to.

DO

Sequence.

Hexagon

Initialization Symbol

Parallelogram

Input/Output Symbol

Diamond 

Decision Symbol

Arrow Lines

Flow Line.

Oval

Terminal Symbol

Circle

On-page connector

Rectangle

Process symbol

Pentagon (Downward)

Off-page connector

Flowchart Structures

Used to express different structures a flowchart presents. Sequence, Conditional, and Loop.

Flowchart Guidelines

Lists all the necessary steps when creating a flowchart.