Title: What is Programming?
Course: COP1000: Introduction to Programming > Section: Module One: What is Programming?

Introduction

Programming is the process of developing and implementing various sets of instructions to enable a computer to do a certain task. These instructions are considered computer programs and help the computer to operate smoothly. The language used to program computers is not understood by an untrained eye. Computer programming continues to be a necessary process as the Internet continues to expand. (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/computer-programming.html)

A programming language is a notation for writing programs, which are specifications of a computation or algorithm. Some, but not all, authors restrict the term "programming language" to those languages that can express all possible algorithms. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_language)

Please consider this a building course - each module introduces new concepts that build on the previous one. We will move at a fast pace and it is important that you have a strong understanding of the content covered each module before you move on to the next. Be sure to give each of these modules the time they deserve as each one covers quite a bit of information.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

Define the following terms: "programming", "notation", and "programming language"
Identify different programming languages and where they are used

Readings & Resources

Chapter 1: Installing Python p. 1-2
Chapter 4: Guess the Number p. 47