3.
1 Computer programming
Think of your favorite app or game. How do you think it was created?
Your favorite app or game works because someone wrote instructions for the computer. That’s
what we call computer programming, and in this lesson, you’ll learn how it’s done.
Computer programming, also known as coding, is the process of creating instructions for
computers to follow. These instructions, called programs, enable computers to perform specific
tasks or achieve desired computing results.
So, who do you think is in charge of writing the instructions or codes for a computer? It is called
the programmer.
Essential Skills for Computer Programmers
Computer programmers need both technical and soft skills to succeed, including understanding
programming languages and soft skills, such as problem-solving. Here are essential skills for
programmers.
Programming Skill: Skilled in one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.
Algorithm Design: Understanding and implementing algorithms effectively. It helps optimize
solutions and ensures software performs tasks efficiently.
Debugging: Identifying and fixing errors or bugs in software.
Version Control: Familiarity with systems like Git for managing code changes.
Problem-Solving: Ability to break down complex problems and find logical solutions.
Designing the Algorithm
The algorithms can be represented using tools like:
Pseudocode: A high-level, language-independent description of the steps.
Flowcharts: Visual diagrams illustrating the flow of control and operations.
Pseudocode example
Pseudo
Pseudo code
code to print
to find the numbers from
sum of two 1 to 5
numbers:
SET count ← 1
1. Start
WHILE
2. Input count ≤ 5 DO
num1
PRINT
3. Input num2count
4. Setcount
sum =←num1
count++num2
1
END WHILE
5. Display sum
6. End
Flowchart symbols
Symbol Symbol Name Function
Oval Used to represent start and End of flowchart
Parallelogram Used for input and output operation
Rectangle Processing: used for arithmetic operation and
data manipulation. A single step or operation
within the process.
Diamond Decision making: used to represent the
operations in which there are two/three
alternatives, true and false, etc
Arrows Flow line used to indicate the flow of logic by
connecting symbols
Circle A circle with a letter inside, used to link different
parts of the flowchart on the same page.
A similar circle with a letter, but used to link
parts of the flowchart on different pages.
Table 1 Flowchart Symbols
Oval (Terminator): Marks the beginning and end of the flowchart.
Rectangle (Process): Represents a single step or operation within the process.
Diamond (Decision): Indicates a decision point, typically with "yes" or "no" (or true/false)
outcomes.
Parallelogram (Input/Output): Represents data input or output.
Arrow (Flowline): Shows the direction of the process flow from one symbol to the next.
On-page connector: A circle with a letter inside, used to link different parts of the flowchart
on the same page.
Off-page connector: A similar circle with a letter, but used to link parts of the flowchart on
different pages.
Example
Flowchart to read the two sides of a rectangle
and calculate its area
Well done! Let’s take a quick moment to check what you’ve learned so far before we continue to
the next topic.