Class 10 IGCSE Computer Science – Programming
1. Introduc on to Programming
Programming is the process of wri ng instruc ons that a computer can follow to
perform specific tasks.
Programs are wri en in high-level languages (HLLs) such as Python, Java, or Visual
Basic.
These are translated into machine code (binary) using compilers or interpreters.
IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) are used to write, run, and debug
code (e.g., IDLE for Python, BlueJ for Java).
2. Programming Concepts
a) Variables
A variable is a named storage loca on whose value can change during program
execu on.
Example: a variable storing a person’s age (Age = 15).
Must have meaningful names to improve readability (e.g., StudentName instead of
X).
b) Constants
A constant is a named storage loca on whose value does not change while the
program runs.
Used for fixed values like π (3.142).
Good prac ce: write constants in capital le ers (PI = 3.142).
c) Data Types
Integer → whole numbers (+ or -).
Real (Float) → numbers with decimal points.
Boolean → True/False values.
Character → single symbol/le er.
String → mul ple characters (e.g., "Hello").
3. Input and Output
Input allows users to provide data (keyboard, sensors, etc.).
Output shows results to the user (screen, printer, etc.).
Input must match the expected data type (e.g., numbers vs. text).
Example: Entering a name (string) vs. entering age (integer).
4. Control Structures
a) Sequence
The order in which instruc ons are executed ma ers.
Example: calcula ng before input will cause errors.
b) Selec on (Decision Making)
Allows a program to choose between alterna ves.
IF…THEN…ELSE → used for binary choices (yes/no, true/false).
CASE (Switch) → used for mul ple op ons (menu-driven programs).
c) Itera on (Loops)
Used to repeat steps un l a condi on is met.
Count-controlled loop (FOR) → repeats a set number of mes.
Pre-condi on loop (WHILE) → condi on checked before execu on (may run 0
mes).
Post-condi on loop (REPEAT…UNTIL / DO…WHILE) → condi on checked a er
execu on (runs at least once).
5. Totalling and Coun ng
Totalling → running total of values (e.g., sum of marks).
Coun ng → tracking number of items/events (e.g., number of students entered).
Commonly used with loops to process large sets of data.
6. String Handling
A string is a collec on of characters (le ers, digits, symbols).
Common opera ons:
o Length → number of characters in a string.
o Substring → extract part of a string.
o Upper/Lower Case → convert text case.
o Concatena on → joining two strings together.
Example: "Computer" + "Science" → "Computer Science".
7. Operators
a) Arithme c Operators
+ (add), - (subtract), * (mul ply), / (divide),
DIV (integer division), MOD (remainder), ^ (power).
b) Rela onal Operators
Used for comparisons:
o > greater than, < less than
o = equal to, <> not equal
o >= greater or equal, <= less or equal
c) Boolean/Logical Operators
AND → True only if both condi ons true.
OR → True if at least one condi on is true.
NOT → reverses truth value.
8. Subrou nes (Procedures and Func ons)
a) Procedures
A group of statements given a name.
Used to perform tasks but do not return a value.
Example: Displaying a welcome message.
b) Func ons
Similar to procedures but return a value.
Example: A func on to calculate the square root of a number.
c) Parameters
Values passed into procedures/func ons.
Can be local variables (only used inside the subrou ne) or global variables
(accessible throughout the program).
9. Arrays
An array is a collec on of elements of the same data type, stored under one name.
1D Array → list of items (e.g., list of marks).
2D Array → table (rows and columns, e.g., student grades per subject).
Useful for storing and processing mul ple values efficiently.
10. File Handling
Programs o en need to store data permanently → done using files.
Files can be:
o Opened for reading or wri ng.
o Read to retrieve data.
o Wri en to save new data.
o Closed a er use (to prevent corrup on).
11. Crea ng a Maintainable Program
Use meaningful names for variables, constants, arrays, etc.
Indenta on → makes structure clear.
Comments → explain logic for future programmers.
Modular programming → dividing code into smaller reusable procedures/func ons.
12. Library Rou nes
Pre-wri en, tested code available in programming languages.
Examples:
o ROUND() → rounds numbers.
o RANDOM() → generates random values.
o MOD() and DIV() → for division opera ons.