Programming Concepts: Introduction to Programming Concepts

Last Updated:   22 Jan 2006

Objectives - This section introduces the students to many of the terms used in Computer Programming.  While this course focuses on HTML and JavaScripts as the programming languages used for the Labs, these programming concepts can be used for any programming language.  

1. What you will need to Define the Problem!

2. What you will need to Design the Solution

3. What you will need to Write the Program

- Starting to Program using the Notepad text editor

4. What you will need to Test and Debug the Program!

5. What you will need to Document Throughout!

One thing to remember about computer programmers, what they do is in the Name, they write computer programs. Programmers: 

1. Prepare instructions that make up the program (values and variables, then desk check the anticipated results)

2. Run the instructions to see if they produce the correct results (interpreters and compilers)

3. Make corrections (debug)

4. Write a report on the program

5. Interact with (a) Users , (b) Managers , and (c) Systems analysts

6. Coordinate with other programmers to build a complete system

Programmers do not normally do analysis work, as in designing solutions, that's what computer analysts do.  Analysts participate in the entire System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), where Programmers usually only write Programs.

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As mentioned above, the programming process can be used for most any programming language. However, since machine language is basically the language the language that computers understand there aren't interpreters and compilers to translate the source code to object code.

1. Machine language - the language that computers understand.  This language includes binary digits (bits) which are 0 and 1.  These bits communicate with the computer electrical circuits in changing the states of the circuits.

2. Assembly language - introduced in during the 1st Generation of computers (see Appendix) but widely used in 2nd Generation computers, basically to assist programmers better use of acronyms.  These acronyms are call mnemonic codes, for example: LDA 1 stands for 'Load the A register with the contents of 1'.    Assemblers are used translates Assembly language to machine language .

3. High Level language - more simple than Assembly Language mnemonics, during the 2nd Generation, High Level languages were introduced.  These languages were more English like languages. One of the 1st High Level languages was FORTRAN.  In this class, we use QBasic as the High Level Language.  As mentioned above QBasic source code needs to be translated into machine language using interpreters or compilers.

4. Very High Level language (4GL) - followed High Level languages, in that programmers needed certain tools to assist them to write complex programs and get the necessary data out of computer.  Therefore,  Query languages (most are Structures Query languages which have sets of rules that must be followed, like the syntax mentioned above) and Natural language (even more English like toward more of the spoken language) were developed.

Object = RightNow

Method = getMonth()

Result: The Today’s Month is 7 will be displayed.

V.               Event Handlers - Attributes of HTML tags embedded in documents. The attribute assigns a JavaScript command or function to execute when the Event happens.

e.g.   eventName=myJavaScriptCode

<onClick=Return to >

<a href="a:RicksHomePage.html">Ricks Home Page</a>

          Event = onClick

Result:  When the user clicks the mouse on the Ricks Home Page  words, the user will be sent to the a driver where the RicksHomePage.html code will be executed by the Browser.

Before we begin our journey into learning Programming, it is important to realize that the best way to understand programming is to look at it as a different Language.  Some people have no problem learning new languages, others it's more difficult.  As we go through this journey, be prepared to 'dig deeper' into the programming language to learn more and different techniques.

Before we begin, I would first like to wish you luck with learning this new language (but does luck really come into play?), and to tell you that it is Very Important that you read these section while sitting in front of your computer actually doing the exercises. 

We will be using the Object Oriented Programming (OOP) languages of HTML and JavaScripts, so look at the HTML and JavaScript Tutorials that are available on the web, but some are better than others, and some will just plain confuse you.

Also, don't be afraid to try things on your own. Try changing the numbers around that are presented in the examples, and see how the computer responds! That is the best way to learn!! Experiment! As you go along, try changing around something in the Program and then predict what the outcome will be - that is a great way to really test your knowledge of a command.

In short, learn by doing! It is the best way to retain knowledge! One study on learning states: You only remember about 25% to 30% of what you hear, about 50% of what you read or see, but about 75% to 80% of what you do!

Since the programming assignments are all laid out in a logical manner, each assignment builds on the commands and functions learned in previous lab, use the book or find a "quick-reference" guide online, one that also includes a full explanation of the command and includes examples of how to use the command. It bridges the gap between an overly brief quick reference guide and a very dry, not too understandable and sometimes still sparsely-explained HTML or JavaScript reference guides.

For an HTML Quick Reference Guide: http://www.devguru.com/Technologies/html/quickref/html_intro.html

For a JavaScript Quick Reference Guide: http://www.devguru.com/Technologies/ecmascript/quickref/javascript_intro.html

Again, I wish you well in your venture to become just a bit more computer literate. While this is not overly hard work, it will take a little bit of persistence, or stick-to-it-iveness, if you prefer. Above all, however, have fun!! Don't just try the examples in the book, but see if you can write some interesting Programs of your own! Since HTML and JavaScripts programming produce 'visual images' you will be able to see your problems in a different manner than simply printed words.

Now sit down in front of your computer, turn it on, get ready, stretch out your fingers over the keyboard, and let's have some fun!