Introduction-to-Programming-Languages.pptx

Basics of programming

1. “Overview of Programming Languages" Objective : Explain why understanding multiple programming languages is crucial for engineering students. Highlight how different languages are suited for different tasks. Agenda: Briefly list what will be covered: definitions, history, classifications, paradigms, in-depth look at C and Python, and other languages. by Ranjan V

2. The Fascinating World of Programming Languages Imagine a world where you can speak to machines, instructing them to perform tasks, solve problems, and even create art. Welcome to the world of programming languages—a realm where logic meets creativity, and ideas turn into reality with just a few lines of code. Why It Matters: Programming languages are the foundation of all modern technology. From the apps on your smartphone to the software controlling spacecraft, every digital experience begins with a programming language. Understanding different programming languages equips you with the tools to innovate, automate, and transform the future. Whether you’re building a game, developing AI, or crafting the next big startup idea, programming languages are your gateway to endless possibilities.

3. Evolution of Programming Languages: Generations of Programming Languages: 1st Generation (Machine Language): Explain binary code, specific to the hardware, no abstraction . 2nd Generation (Assembly Language): Introduce the use of mnemonic codes (e.g., MOV, ADD) that are easier to read but still closely tied to hardware. 3rd Generation (High-Level Languages): Emphasize how languages like C and Python abstract away hardware details, making them more user-friendly. 4th Generation (Very High-Level Languages): SQL for database queries, MatLab for mathematical computations. Discuss how these languages further simplify coding by focusing on domain-specific tasks. 5th Generation (Declarative Languages): Mention Prolog and its use in AI, focusing on what the problem is rather than how to solve it.

4. Classification of Programming Languages Low-Level Languages Machine Language: Directly executed by the CPU, making it the most basic level of programming. Pros: Extremely fast execution since it runs directly on the hardware without any translation. Cons: Highly complex and difficult to write, understand, and debug. Code is specific to a particular CPU architecture, lacking portability. Assembly Language: Provides a slight abstraction over machine code, using mnemonic codes (e.g., MOV, ADD) instead of binary, making it more readable. Pros: Easier to understand and write than machine code, while still offering fine control over hardware. Cons: Still hardware-specific, less portable, and more difficult to learn and use compared to high-level languages.

5. High-Level Languages Examples: C, Python, Java. High-level languages are designed for ease of use, focusing on abstraction from the hardware. Advantages: Ease of Use: More intuitive syntax and structure, making them easier to learn and write. Portability: Code can run on different platforms with little or no modification. Development Speed: Enhanced productivity due to built-in libraries, tools, and frameworks. Interpreted vs. Compiled Languages Interpreted Languages: Executed line by line by an interpreter at runtime, offering more flexibility in development and debugging. Examples: Python, JavaScript. Advantages: Easier to test and debug as code can be run immediately without a separate compilation step. More dynamic, allowing for interactive coding and immediate feedback. Disadvantages: Slower execution speed compared to compiled languages, as code is interpreted on the fly. Generally less efficient in resource usage.

6. Compiled Languages: Converted into machine code by a compiler before execution, resulting in a standalone executable. Examples: C, C++. Advantages: Faster execution as the code is pre-translated into machine language. Optimized performance and resource usage, making them suitable for system programming and performance-critical applications. Disadvantages: Longer development process due to the need for compilation. Debugging can be more complex, as errors may only be detected after compilation

7. Popular Programming Paradigms Procedural Programming: Focus on the concept of procedures or routines (functions). Example: C. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): It discuss the key concepts of OOP: classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism. Examples: Java, Python. Functional Programming: It describe how functional programming emphasizes the use of mathematical functions. Examples: Haskell, Lisp. Scripting Languages: scripting languages are often used for automating tasks within other software environments. Examples: Python, JavaScript.

8. Detailed Look at C Programming Language Introduction: Provide a brief history of C, developed by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs in the early 1970s . Key Features: Discuss C's features like low-level access to memory, simple syntax, and control structures. Emphasize the importance of pointers and manual memory management in C. Applications: Highlight C’s role in system programming, operating systems, embedded systems, and other areas where performance is critical. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: High performance, fine control over system resources. Weaknesses: Lack of modern features (like garbage collection), steeper learning curve.

9. Detailed Look at Python Programming Language Introduction: Provide a brief history of Python, created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991. Key Features: Discuss Python’s readability, dynamic typing, and large standard library. Highlight Python’s use of indentation to define code blocks, which enforces readability. Applications: Mention Python’s versatility in web development (Django, Flask), data science (pandas, NumPy ), AI/ML ( TensorFlow , scikit -learn), and automation. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Easy to learn, versatile, extensive libraries. Weaknesses: Slower execution speed compared to compiled languages like C.

10. Overview of Other Popular Languages Java: Discuss Java’s platform independence due to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It has widespread use in enterprise applications, Android development, and large-scale systems. JavaScript: Emphasize JavaScript’s essential role in web development for creating interactive and dynamic content. It has a larger evolution into server-side programming with Node.js. C++: A n extension of C that includes object-oriented features. Highlight its use in game development, system software, and performance-critical applications. Ruby: Ruby’s focus on simplicity and productivity, often used in web development with the Ruby on Rails framework. Swift: Introducing Swift as Apple’s modern language for iOS and macOS development, known for its safety features and performance.

11. Comparison of C, Python, and Other Popular Languages 1 C A low- level, compiled language known for its performance and close- to- the-hardware control. 2 Python A high- level, interpreted language renowned for its simplicity, readability, and versatility. 3 Java A statically-typed, object- oriented language with a focus on portability and security. 4 JavaScript A dynamic, client- side scripting language used for web development and interactive applications.

12. Fundamentals of Programming Languages Syntax The rules and structures that define how code is written and interpreted in a programming language. Data Types The different types of data that a programming language can handle, such as integers, floats, strings, and booleans. Variables Containers that store data and can be manipulated throughout a program.

13. Syntax and Structure of Programming Languages Variables Declaring and initializing variables to store data. 1 2 Operators Using mathematical and logical operators to manipulate data. 3 Control Structures Implementing conditional statements and loops to control program flow.

14. Data Types and Variables in Programming Primitive Data Types Basic data types like integers, floats, booleans, and characters. Composite Data Types Structured data types like arrays, lists, dictionaries, and objects. Variable Scope Understanding the visibility and lifetime of variables within a program. Type Conversion Techniques for converting between different data types as needed.

15. Control Structures and Flow of Execution 1 Conditional Statements Using if-else statements to make decisions based on conditions. 2 Loops Implementing loops like for, while, and do- while to repeat code blocks. 3 Branching and Recursion Techniques for altering the sequential flow of a program.

16. Functions and Modular Programming Function Basics Defining and calling reusable code blocks with parameters and return values. Modules and Libraries Organizing code into modular components to promote reuse and maintainability. Scope and Namespace Understanding variable visibility and naming conventions in modular design.

17. Object-Oriented Programming Concepts Classes Blueprint for creating objects with encapsulated data and behavior. Objects Instances of classes, with their own properties and methods. Inheritance Ability to create new classes based on existing ones, reusing code. Polymorphism Objects of different classes can be treated as the same type.

18. Debugging and Error Handling Syntax Errors Mistakes in the structure and grammar of the programming language. Runtime Errors Unexpected behavior that occurs during the execution of a program. Debugging Tools Integrated development environment (IDE) features and standalone debuggers.

19. THANK YOU

20. Quick Activity: "Step-by-Step Algorithm" – Solving a Simple Mathematical Problem Task: Calculating the Average of Three Numbers Step 1: Explain the Task Explain that the goal is to create a step-by-step algorithm to calculate the average of three given numbers. Step 2: Write Down Instructions Ask the students to individually write down the steps needed to calculate the average of three numbers (e.g., 10, 20, 30). The instructions should be as detailed as possible. Example Instructions: Step 1: Identify the three numbers (e.g., 10, 20, 30). Step 2: Add the three numbers together: 10 + 20 + 30. Step 3: Count the total number of values (which is 3 in this case). Step 4: Divide the sum by the total number of values: (10 + 20 + 30) / 3. Step 5: Record the result (average). Step 3: Execute the Instructions Select one student to be the "Computer" and another to be the "Programmer." The "Programmer" reads out their instructions step by step. The "Computer" follows these instructions exactly, performing each mathematical operation in sequence. Step 4: Observe and Discuss Observe whether the "Computer" arrives at the correct result (20 in this case). Discuss: Were the instructions clear? Did the "Computer" understand each step correctly? What might happen if a step was missing or unclear (e.g., if the instruction to count the numbers was skipped)? Step 5: Relate to Programming Concepts Debrief: This activity mirrors how computers follow algorithms to perform calculations. If the steps are unclear or incorrect, the result will be wrong. Key Takeaway: In programming, just like in this activity, every step in an algorithm must be clear, correct, and precise to achieve the desired outcome. Step 6: Connect to Engineering Discuss how similar algorithms are used in engineering to perform calculations, automate processes, or analyze data. The accuracy of these algorithms is crucial in fields like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.