CBVP2103

` Visual Programming (CBVP2103)

` This course is worth 3 credit hours
` Will be covered in 12-14 weeks
` Total 13 topics
` Assessment
◦ A
Assignment
i t – 30% ((submit
b it b
by 8th week)
k)
◦ Final Exam 65%
◦ Class Participation
p – 5% (not
( free))
` What is a computer?
◦ A machine that manipulates data based on the
instructions it receives.
` Who instructs computers?
◦ Humans
◦ Can another computer instruct a computer?
` Humans need to determine the tasks for the
computer to accomplish. How do we instruct
t ?
computers?
◦ By programming
` Programming is the process of planning,
tabling or the implementation of a task or
event or command. In the computing field,
programming is instructing a computer to
perform specific tasks as instructed.
instructed
` Computer programming can be defined as the
process of planning a set of sequence
commands to be executed by a computer.
` Computer programs on the other hand can be
defined as a set of sequence commands that
have been determined to be executed by a
computer.
computer
` Problem identification is the first step in the
programming process. Programming
problems are problems that can be solved by
using programming languages.
languages
` For example:
◦ What is the sum of
x 20 + 13 + 34 = ?
◦ What is the sum of
x 100! 20! 16! 2! 89! 46! 31! 465! 54! 78! 3! ?
100!+20!+16!+2!+89!+46!+31!+465!+54!+78!+3!=?
` Manual problem solving involves the use of
pen andd paper or other
th means.
` There are many different ways to add the
following numbers 10, 3, 4, 56, 120, 21, 39,
1, 13 and 34.
` Pease write down your answers on a paper.
S
Some may needd a calculator
l l t to t do
d it!
` What is the difference between a calculator
and a computer?
◦ More advanced
◦ Better data storage
` Solutions can be obtained manually or through
programming.
programming In programming,
programming the communication
between user and computer is established through
commands keyed into a computer’s readable format.

` These instructions are defined by the programmer in

the form of a programming language.
language The main task
of a programmer is to devise solutions through the
programming language, thus enabling the computers
to execute the commands given by users. The
requirement for the program will be given by the user
to the programmers.
programmers
` There are two phases involved in the
programming process.
process The first phase is to
understand the problem. The second phase is
implementation. The two phases are closely
i
interconnected.
d
` The first phase of understanding the problem
consists of three steps
p as follows:
a) Analysis
i. It is important to identify and understand the problem
correctly.
ii. For example, if the problem is to add 10 numbers of
different numeric values, then the programmer must
identify the types of input, the appropriate processing
method and the required output design.
design
a) Algorithms
i.
i It represents
t the
th programming i development
d l t process.
ii. It traces any logical errors that exist.
iii. It uses pseudo code or flow chart.
b) Testing
i. Test the algorithms by entering a few appropriate data.
ii. Trace each sequence processed.
iii. Ensure each sequence is in correct order.
` The second phase, the implementation phase
comprises
i off three
th steps,
t which
hi h are as
follows:
a)) Program
g
i. Code writing using the appropriate programming
language.
ii. Program coded based on tested algorithms.
iii. All program syntax must be followed.
b) Debugging
i. Ensure the programs are fully functional.
ii. Various methods of testing procedures need to be
taken, such as high volume of data input, out of range
input and other functions involved.
 c) Maintenance
i. Finall phase
h for
f programs to be
b updated
d d and
d
documented.
ii. Modifying the programs from time to time.

` The problem solving process is the most

important part in all types of programming
programming.
` Q1. Try to give your own definition of the
word computer. Write it down. Then, compare
your definition with those in computer books.

` Q2. Describe in your own words the functions

of a computer.
computer

` Q3. What is the difference between computer

programming and a computer program. Find
the answer from other computer books.