Introduction to Programming
and Data Science
[Link] Ul Hassan (Lecturer)
Department: Software Engineering
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, students will:
• Understand what programming is
• Know how computers understand instructions
• Learn what data science means
• Explore career possibilities in both fields
What is Programming?
Programming means giving instructions to a computer
A program = a set of steps to solve a problem
Example of Programming
• Calculator app → adds numbers when you click “+”
• Online forms → collect name & email
Why Learn Programming?
Enhances logical thinking
Helps automate tasks
Builds problem-solving skills
Examples
Task: Calculate average marks of 50 students
• Without programming → manual calculation
• With programming → done in seconds
Programming Languages
Low-level: Machine Code, Assembly
High-level: Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript
Scripting: Python, PHP.
Example of Programming Languages
• Python → data analysis, AI
• C → embedded systems
• Java → Android apps
• JavaScript → web development
How Programs Work
You write code in a programming language
Compiler/Interpreter translates code → machine instructions
Computer executes it step-by-step
Example of How Programs Work C
Example of How Programs Work C+
+
Algorithm
Definition: A step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem or
perform a task.
In Simple Words: It’s like a recipe that tells the computer exactly what
to do, step by step.
Key Point: Every algorithm has a starting point, steps to follow, and a
clear result.
(Programming):
Find the largest of two numbers:
1. Input two numbers (A and B)
2. If A > B → Print A
3. Else → Print B
Key Concepts in Programming
• Variables: Store data
• Data Types: int, float, string, boolean
• Conditions: if/else
• Loops: repeat tasks
• Functions: reusable blocks of code
• Examples:
Examples Key Concepts:
Example of Key Concepts (in C++)
output
What is Data Science?
Data Science: The study of data to find useful insights and make decisions
for example, using sales data to predict future trends.
Combines
Math & Statistics
Programming
Domain Knowledge
Machine Learning
Example of Data Science
• Predict student grades using past exam scores
Data Science Workflow
Data Collection
Data Cleaning
Model Building
Example of Data Science Workflow
• Collect marks of 100 students
• Clean missing scores
• Analyze averages
• Build a model to predict grades
• Visualize with charts
Tools Used in Data Science
Tools Used in Data Science
• Programming: Python, R
• Libraries: NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn
• Tools: Jupyter Notebook, Excel, Power BI
Example of Python
Summary
Programming helps solve real-world problems through logic.
Data Science uses data to make informed decisions.
Python is the best language to start both.
Learn step by step, practice, and explore advanced fields like ML & AI.