Programming involves describing processes and procedures that 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 are 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.
This unit introduces students to the core concepts of programming along with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigms. Among the topics included in this unit are: introduction to algorithms, procedural, objectorientated and event-driven programming, security considerations, the integrated development environment and the debugging process.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to design and implement algorithms in a chosen language in a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This IDE will be used to develop and help track any issues with the code. As a result, students will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.