Study Notes for AME 167: Computer Programming for Engineers

Types of Assessments:
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Attendance
- End of Semester Exams
Weightage:
- S1 (30%): Includes quizzes and assignments
- S2 (70%): Final exams
Final Score Calculation:
- Final Score = S1 + S2

Chapra, S.C. (2012). Applied Numerical Methods with MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists, 3rd Int. Ed.
Nakamura, S. (1996). Numerical Analysis and Graphic Visualization with MATLAB. Prentice Hall Inc.

Computer Programming: The process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining computer programs.
Computer Program: A set of instructions that can be executed by the computer to perform a specific task.
Computer Software: A collection of computer programs and related data.

Definition: A programming language is a set of commands, instructions, and other syntax used to create a computer program (or software).

Machine Languages:
- Definition: The computer's native language, used to control the CPU directly.
- Characteristics:
  - Consists of binary code (0s and 1s).
  - Defined by hardware design.
- Disadvantages:
  - Tedious programming process.
  - Difficult to read and modify.
Assembly Languages:
- Definition: Uses short descriptive words (mnemonics) to represent machine language instructions.
- Characteristics:
  - Each instruction corresponds directly to machine language.
  - Easier to code compared to machine language.
- Disadvantages:
  - Machine dependent.
  - Still tedious to write.
  - Requires knowledge of CPU workings.
High-Level Languages:
- Definition: Programming languages that allow the use of natural human language.
- Examples:
  - Fortran
  - Pascal
  - C/C++
  - Java
  - Python
  - MATLAB
- Advantages:
  - English-like syntax, easier to learn.
  - Platform-independent.
  - No need for CPU architecture knowledge.

Compiled Languages:
- Use a compiler to convert the source code into machine code (entire source code is translated at once).
Interpreted Languages:
- Use an interpreter that translates and executes the source code one statement at a time immediately.

Uses a Compiler:
- Pascal
- FORTRAN
- Visual Basic
- C
- C++
- C#
- Java
- MATLAB
Uses an Interpreter:
- Python
- Perl
- Julia
- Ruby

Definition: MATLAB stands for MATrix LABoratory.
Inventor: Cleve Moler in the late 1970s.
Development Language: Written in C.
Functionality: Works as an interpreter, but runs slower than C/C++ and FORTRAN.
Uses of MATLAB:
- Data analysis
- Developing algorithms
- Creating models and applications
Characteristics:
- Multi-disciplinary tool.
- Numerical computation applications.
- Over 90 toolboxes across various fields including:
- Mathematics (Symbolic Math, Statistics, Curve Fitting, etc.)
- Communications & Signal Processing
- Machine Vision (Image Processing, Computer Vision)
- Statistics and Regression Analysis
- Computational Finance
- Instrument Control, Vehicle Dynamics, Aerospace, etc.

Components:
- Command Window
- Current Folder
Available Functions:
- New Variable creation
- Analyze Code
- Preferences
- Community Engagement
- Support Requests
- File Operations (new, open, save, compare, import)

who: Lists the names of variables defined by the user.
whos: Provides detailed information about the variables defined by the user.
clc: Clears the command window.
clear: Deletes all variables from the MATLAB workspace.
clear <variable name>: Deletes a specified variable.
clearvars: Same as clear, but more stable.
beep: Produces a beep sound.
date: Shows the current system date.
disp(<variable name>): Displays the value of the specified variable.
disp(<string constant>): Displays the string constant.
ans: Automatically created variable assigned to the result of operations.

Matrix Focus: MATLAB primarily works with matrices and has built-in functions optimized for matrix operations.
Matrix Definition: A matrix is defined as a one- or multi-dimensional array of elements, where all data in MATLAB are viewed as matrices.
- A scalar in MATLAB is a matrix with one row and one column.
- A vector is either a row or column matrix.