Introduction to Programming Concepts and Algorithms

Introductions
Programming involves describing processes and procedures which are derived from algorithms. The ability to program is what sets apart a developer and an end user. Typically the role of the developer is to instruct a device (such as a computer) to carry out instructions; the instructions are known as source code and is written in a language that is converted into something the device can understand. The device executes the instructions it is given.

Algorithms help to describe the solution to a problem or task; by identifying the data and the process needed to represent the problem or task and the set of steps needed to produce the desired result.

Programming languages typically provide the representation of both the data and the process; they provide control constructs and data types (which can be numbers, words, and objects, and be constant or variable).

The control constructs are used to represent the steps of an algorithm in a convenient yet unambiguous fashion. Algorithms require constructs that can perform sequential processing, selection for decision-making, and iteration for repetitive control. Any programming language that provides these basic features can be used for algorithm representation.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to design and implement algorithms in a chosen language within a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This IDE will be used to develop and help track any issues with the code.

As a result they will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.

Aim:
This unit introduces students to the core concepts of programming (Programming in Java) with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigms. Among the topics included in this unit are introduction to algorithms, procedural, object-orientated & event-driven programming, security considerations, the integrated development environment and the debugging process.

Objectives:

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

LO1. Define basic algorithms to carry out an operation and outline the process of programming an application.

LO2. Explain the characteristics of procedural, object-orientated and event-driven programming, conduct an analysis of a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

LO3. Implement basic algorithms in code using an IDE.

LO4. Determine the debugging process and explain the importance of a coding standard.

Unit / Module Content
LO1: Define basic algorithms to carry out an operation and outline the process of programming an application

Algorithm definition:
Writing algorithms to carry out an operation, e.g. Bubble sort, Linear Search etc. 
The relationship between algorithms and code.

The generation process of code; the roles of the pre-processor, compiler and linker, interpreter.

LO2 Explain the characteristics of procedural, object-orientated and event driven programming. Conduct an analysis of a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Characteristics of code:

Definitions of: data types (the role of constants/variables), methods (including input/output), control structures, iteration, scope, parameter passing, classes, inheritance and events.

Key components of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with a brief explanation each component. Use of addition of advanced text editors to view code, such as Notepad++, Atom, Sublime text, etc

LO3 Implement basic algorithms in code using an IDE

Implementation:
Developing simple applications, which implements basic algorithms covered in LO1, using the features of a suitable language and IDE. Consider possible security concerns and how these could be solved.

LO4 Determine the debugging process and explain the importance of a coding standard

Review and reflection:
Documentation of the debugging process in the IDE, with reference to watch lists, breakpoints and tracing. How the debugging process can be used to help developers fix vulnerabilities, defects and bugs in their code. What a coding standard is and its benefits when writing code.