Programming: An Introduction¶

Table of contents

Work Plan¶

In this session, we will introduce the basics of programming. We will cover key concepts, the importance of programming, and how it relates to everyday activities. Follow along with the video tutorial and the provided materials to understand these concepts.

1. Watch the video "What is coding?" to get an overview of programming.
2. Read the sections on "What is programming?" and "What is a programming language?
3. Explore the analogy between programming and cooking to better understand the programming process.
4. Learn about the benefits of learning programming.
5. Familiarize yourself with some popular programming languages and their uses.

Programming/Coding¶

What is programming?¶

Programming is the process of creating instructions that a computer can understand and execute. These instructions, known as code, are written in programming languages.

Programming allows us to create software applications, websites, games, and more. In this session, we will explore the basics of programming and learn how to write simple programs.

Programming and cooking: An analogy¶

Think of programming like cooking a meal. Just as a chef follows a recipe to prepare a dish, a programmer follows a set of instructions to create a program.

1. Ingredients: In cooking, ingredients are the raw materials used to make a dish. In programming, these are the data and resources needed to create a program.
2. Recipe: A recipe provides step-by-step instructions for preparing a dish. In programming, this is the code that tells the computer what to do.
3. Cooking process: The cooking process involves following the recipe to combine ingredients and create the final dish. In programming, this is the execution of the code by the computer to produce the desired outcome.
4. Final dish: The final dish is the result of the cooking process. In programming, this is the completed program that performs a specific function or task.
5. Taste testing and debugging: Just as a chef tastes the dish to ensure it is cooked properly, a programmer tests the program to ensure it works correctly. If there are any issues, the programmer debugs the code to fix them.

Video: What is coding?¶

Programming Languages¶

What is a programming language?¶

A programming language is a formal language comprising a set of instructions that can be used to produce various kinds of output. Programming languages are used to implement algorithms and manipulate data structures.

There are many programming languages available, each with its own syntax and use cases. Some popular programming languages include Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and Ruby.

This is an example of Python code that prints "Hello, World!" to the console:

print("Hello, World!")

And this is an example of Java code that does the same thing:

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

Video: Most Popular Programming Languages: Data from 1958 to 2025¶

This video presents a detailed timeline of the most used programming languages from 1958 to 2025, based on comprehensive data analysis.

Why learn programming?¶

Learning programming has several benefits:

1. Problem-Solving Skills: Programming teaches you how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and find solutions.
2. Creativity: Programming allows you to create your own applications, games, and websites, fostering creativity and innovation.
3. Career Opportunities: Many industries require programming skills, making it a valuable skill in the job market.
4. Understanding Technology: As technology becomes increasingly important in our lives, understanding how it works can help you make informed decisions.
5. Automation: Programming enables you to automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort.

Conclusion¶

In this session, we have introduced the basics of programming, including what programming is, the analogy between programming and cooking, and the benefits of learning programming. We have also explored what a programming language is and provided examples of popular programming languages. With this foundational knowledge, you are now ready to start your journey into the world of programming!

Assessment Criteria¶