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Computer Languages

The document provides an introduction to computer programming and computer languages. It defines what a computer program is and explains that programs provide step-by-step instructions for computers in a programming language. It then discusses some commonly used programming languages like Java, C++, and Python. The document also outlines what computer programmers do, defines algorithms, and describes some basic elements that make up programming languages like variables, keywords, and functions.

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40 views

Computer Languages

The document provides an introduction to computer programming and computer languages. It defines what a computer program is and explains that programs provide step-by-step instructions for computers in a programming language. It then discusses some commonly used programming languages like Java, C++, and Python. The document also outlines what computer programmers do, defines algorithms, and describes some basic elements that make up programming languages like variables, keywords, and functions.

Uploaded by

ali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Languages

University of Technology
Electrical Engineer
Second stage

Computer Languages

Under the supervision of Dr. Azad Bader

Preparation Ali Khalid Raheem

0
Computer Languages

Introduction to Computer Program:


Before getting into computer programming, let us first understand computer programs and what
they do. A computer program is a sequence of instructions written using a Computer Programming
Language to perform a specified task by the computer. The two important terms that we have used

understand these terms, consider a situation when someone asks you about how to go to a nearby
KFC. What exactly do you do to tell him the way to go to KFC? You will use Human Language to
tell the way to go to KFC, something as follows:

First go straight, after half kilometer, take left from the red light and then drive around one
kilometer and you will find KFC at the right.

Here, you have used English Language to give several steps to be taken to reach KFC. If they are
followed in the following sequence, then you will reach KFC:

1. Go straight

2. Drive half kilometer

3. Take left

4. Drive around one kilometer

5. Search for KFC at your right side

Now, try to map the situation with a computer program. The above sequence of instructions is
actually a Human Program written in English Language, which instructs on how to reach KFC from
a given starting point. This same sequence could have been given in Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, or any
other human language, provided the person seeking direction knows any of these languages.

-Now, let's go back and try to understand a computer program, which is a sequence of instructions
written in a Computer Language to perform a specified task by the computer. Following is a simple
program written in Python programming Language:

print "Hello, World!"

The above computer program instructs the computer to print "Hello, World!" on the computer
screen.

• A computer program is also called a computer software, which can range from two lines to
millions of lines of instructions.

• Computer program instructions are also called program source code and computer programming is
also called program coding.

• A computer without a computer program is just a dump box; it is programs that make computers
active.
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Computer Languages

As we have developed so many languages to communicate among ourselves, computer scientists


have developed several computer-programming languages to provide instructions to the computer
(i.e., to write computer programs). We will see several computer programming languages in the
subsequent chapters.

Introduction to Computer Programming:


If you understood what a computer program is, then we will say: the act of writing computer
programs is called computer programming. As we mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of
programming languages, which can be used to write computer programs and following are a few of
them:

• Java

•C

• C++

• Python

• PHP

• Perl

• Ruby

Uses of Computer Programs:


Today computer programs are being used in almost every field, household, agriculture, medical,
entertainment, defense, communication, etc. Listed below are a few applications of computer
programs:

• MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc., are examples of
computer programs.

• Computer programs are being used to develop graphics and special effects in movie making.

• Computer programs are being used to perform Ultrasounds, X-Rays, and other medical
examinations.

• Computer programs are being used in our mobile phones for SMS, Chat, and voice
communication.

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Computer Languages

Computer Programmer
Someone who can write computer programs or in other words, someone who can do computer
programming is called a Computer Programmer. Based on computer programming language
expertise, we can name a computer programmers as follows:

• C Programmer

• C++ Programmer

• Java Programmer

• Python Programmer

• PHP Programmer

• Perl Programmer

• Ruby Programmer

Algorithm:
From programming point of view, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to resolve any problem.
An algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite set of well-defined instructions.

Thus, a computer programmer lists down all the steps required to resolve a problem before writing
the actual code. Following is a simple example of an algorithm to find out the largest number from a
given list of numbers:

1. Get a list of numbers L1, L2, L3....LN

2. Assume L1 is the largest, Largest = L1

3. Take next number Li from the list and do the following

4. If Largest is less than Li

5. Largest = Li

6. If Li is last number from the list then

7. Print value stored in Largest and come out

8. Else repeat same process starting from step 3

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Computer Languages

The above algorithm has been written in a crude way to help beginners understand the concept. You
will come across more standardized ways of writing computer algorithms as you move on to
advanced levels of computer programming.

BASICS:
We assume you are well aware of English Language, which is a well-known Human Interface
Language. English has a predefined grammar, which needs to be followed to write English
statements in a correct way. Likewise, most of the Human Interface Languages (Hindi, English,
Spanish, French, etc.) are made of several elements like verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs,
propositions, and conjunctions, etc. Similar to Human Interface Languages, Computer Programming
Languages are also made of several elements. We will take you through the basics of those elements
and make you comfortable to use them in various programming languages. These basic elements
include:

• Programming Environment

• Basic Syntax

• Data Types

• Variables

• Keywords

• Basic Operators

• Decision Making

• Loops

• Numbers

• Characters

• Arrays

• Strings

• Functions

• File I/O

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Computer Languages

This tutorial has been designed to give you an idea about the following most popular programming
languages:

• C Programming

• Java Programming

• Python Programming

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Computer Languages

References:

1- A Formal Semantics of Programming Languages: An Introduction” by Glynn


Winskel
2- “Foundations for Programming Languages” by John C Mitchell
3- Types and Programming Languages” by Benjamin C Pierce

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