1. Introduction to Programming
1. ) What is a program?
- To program a computer is the writing of instructions, statements, or commands that
instruct the computer how to process data. There are several programming languages
used to program a computer. It is also called an application or software, is a set of
instructions that process input, manipulate data, and output a result. For example,
Microsoft Word is a word processing program that allows users to create and write
documents. A browser, such as the one you are using to view this page, is a program.
2. ) What is Computer Programming?
- Programming, also known as coding, refers to the process of writing instructions for
computing devices and systems. A computer program translates those instructions
into a language that computers can understand. Computer programmers use many
different languages to command computers. Popular programming languages include
Python, JavaScript, Java, and the C-languages.
The tech industry relies on computer programming to create innovative new uses for
computers. Groundbreaking fields like machine learning and artificial intelligence
depend on computer programming.
Computer users interact with programs frequently. Web browsers, for example, are
specialized computer programs. These user-facing programs fall into the category of
front-end development. In contrast, back-end development creates programs for tasks
the user does not see, including server communication.
3. ) What is a system or a software?
- A system is a set of multiple components/modules, work in coordination to
accomplish a given task ( the task may be one time or ongoing like a business). The
‘system’ is a broad term hence can be used wherever things are done manually or
with the help of IT or ITES. While the software is narrow view the ‘system’.r A
software is a set of programs or modules. All modules contribute to achieving the
common goal/objective of the software. Therefore a ‘software’ is necessarily a
‘system’ but a ‘system’ might not be a ‘software’.
4. ) What is programming languages? Give examples and briefly explain each
language
- A programming language is a computer language programmers use to develop
software programs, scripts, or other sets of instructions for computers to execute.
Although many languages share similarities, each has its own syntax. Once a
programmer learns the languages rules, syntax, and structure, they write the source
code in a text editor or IDE. Then, the programmer often compiles the code into
machine language that can be understood by the computer. Scripting languages,
which do not require a compiler, use an interpreter to execute the script.
5. ) What is program logic formulation? Briefly discuss
- The “Program Logic Formulation” is by first knowing what “Logic” is. In
Etymology “Logic” is a method of human thought that involves correct thinking in a
2. linear, step-by-step manner about how a problem can be solved. Hence, the important
element must conform to define logic and that is correct thinking or reasoning of the
person.
The Program Logic Formulation are instructions in a program set in a proper order
to solve a problem. Provide a set of requirements to five programmers, and each may
build different program logic. All versions may work equally well, or there may be
differences. The best program runs the fastest and is written understandably are now
the measures of a better program logic formulation. In writing instructions for the
computer you have to give chronological instructions to attain the desired results or
output. The Computer doesn’t have the power of thinking as human would express in
the manner of his task. In summary, the PLF are steps required by the task in proper
order to be executed in order to display or produce the required output specification.
6. ) What is an algorithm?
- An algorithm is a procedure used for solving a problem or performing a
computation. Algorithms act as an exact list of instructions that conduct specified
actions step by step in either hardware- or software-based routines.
Algorithms are widely used throughout all areas of IT. In mathematics and computer
science, an algorithm usually refers to a small procedure that solves a recurrent
problem. Algorithms are also used as specifications for performing data processing
and play a major role in automated systems.
An algorithm could be used for sorting sets of numbers or for more complicated tasks,
like recommending user content on social media. Algorithms typically start with
initial input and instructions that describe a specific computation. When the
computation is executed, the process produces an output.
7. ) What is a flowchart? What are the symbols use for flowcharting.
- Also called process flowchart, process flow diagram. A flowchart is a picture of the
separate steps of a process in sequential order. It is a generic tool that can be
adapted for a wide variety of purposes, and can be used to describe various processes,
such as a manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, or a project
plan. It's a common process analysis tool and one of the seven basic quality tools.
Elements that may be included in a flowchart are a sequence of actions, materials or
services entering or leaving the process (inputs and outputs), decisions that must be
made, people who become involved, time involved at each step, and/or process
measurements.
3. 8. ) Rules for flowcharting
- Flowchart rules to start following
There are a few key rules that go for all flowcharts:
Each flowchart must have one and only one Start object.
4. The flow of control must always enter an object from the top.
The flow of control must always leave an object from the bottom (except for
Decision objects, which allow the flow of control to leave from the side).
The flow of control must not split. You can use Decision objects to give the
flow of control a choice of paths to follow, but it can only follow one of these
paths.
The no-go cursor is used to show you where you cannot drop objects or
complete links.
Always format your flow from left to right or top to bottom.
Run your return lines under your flowchart, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Maintain consistent spacing between symbols.
Use the correct symbol for each step (diamond shapes are for decisions,
rectangles are for processes, and start/end shapes should be the same, etc.)
References:
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/program.htm
https://www.zdnet.com/education/computers-tech/what-is-computer-
programming/
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-system-and-a-software
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/programming-language.htm
https://cobolicious.wordpress.com/cobol/program-logic-formulation-plf/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/algorithm
https://asq.org/quality-resources/flowchart
https://www.yenka.com/help/Rules_for_constructing_flowcharts/#:~:text=Each%
20flowchart%20must%20have%20one,of%20control%20must%20not%20split.
https://cacoo.com/blog/keep-it-simple-follow-flowchart-rules-for-better-
diagrams/
