Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer ITK 168 Fall, 2012 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer ITK 168 Fall, 2012

First Questions • What is this course all about? • Why am I taking it? • How much computer experience do I need? • Why Java (and what is Java anyway)?

Syllabus

Assignment for Thursday • Read chapter 1 of your text • Prepare for an in-class quiz over the syllabus and chapter 1

By Next Tuesday • Turn in completed student questionnaire • Send email to mecaliff@ilstu.edu from your preferred email address. Include your name, ITK 168, and your lecture section.

Your Questions

What is a computer?

Parts of a Computer

Parts of a Computer • CPU (Central Processing Unit) • Main Memory (often called RAM) • Secondary Storage • Input • Output

Computer Memory • Sequence of addresses • Important memory terms: – bit – byte – word • Addressing the computer – What’s the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit?

What can a computer do?

What can a computer do? • Simple arithmetic • Move data • Compare two numbers (and move data based on the result of the comparison)

How do we do cool stuff?

Software • System software • Application software

The Process 1. Understand the problem 2. Figure out the interface (input and output) 3. Make a plan 4. Check the plan 5. Translate the plan into Java (or other) 6. Fix compile-time errors 7. Run the program 8. Fix run-time errors 9. Make sure it works correctly

Errors • Syntax or compile-time • Run-time • Logic or intent

Making the Plan • Algorithms • Pseudocode – English – Formatted like computer program code

Terminology • Algorithm ≠ Pseudocode • Algorithms are often written in pseudocode, but your Java program is also a representation of an algorithm. • On the other hand, when I ask you to submit an algorithm, it MUST be written in pseudocode.

Precision/Detail • How precise and detailed does an algorithm have to be? • Just exactly how dumb is a computer?

Writing for an Audience • When you write a computer program, you have two audiences. • What are they?

Demo • Let’s look at an actual computer program in Java.