C programming

Flow Chart

a graphical representation of the flow of the solution.

Computer Program

a piece of software that is written to perform a specific task such as a game, word processor, or C compiler.

Functions

functions are a block of code that perform a single task. All functions have functionName() followed by a pair of parenthesis.

Logic Error

A logic error occurs when the programmer thinks that the program is doing something but it actually doing something else. See order of operations above for an example logic error.

Infinite Loop

A loop that never ends.

Sequential Statements/Programming

C is a structured programming language. When the program runs, it begins with main and control goes from the top down (in general).

Order of Operations

Most (if not all) computer programming languages follow basic order of operations. PEMDAS

RAM

Random access memory. Temporary storage. This is part of memory where users read from and write to.

Relational Operators

Relational operators are used to build a condition. There are six relational operators. == equals != not equal < less than > greater than <= less than or equal to >= greater than or equal to

Repetition Statements or Loops

Repetition occurs when a block of code executes and then repeats depending on some existing condition within the loop.

Software

Software is the intangible part of the computer system. Software programs are instructions that tell the computer system what to do.

Syntax Error

This is an error where the programmer does not follow the rules of the programming language. It is similar to a grammar error. Common syntax errors are unbalanced parenthesis, missing semicolons, miss spelled words, . . .

Computer Programmer

a person that writes computer programs.

Computer Programming Language

a piece of software used by a computer programmer to write or edit computer programs. Sample programming languages include C, C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic, FORTRAN, COBOL, and more.

Program Development Cycle

a problem, a need, or a reason for software to be written. This problem will be called the program specifications or specs. A programmer must completely understand the specs prior to developing software.

Constants

constants are like variable. Once a constant is defined, the value of the constant cannot change.

main()

is a function. It is the point of beginning for your program. Only one main per program.

Structure Chart

A graphical representation of specs

Desk Checking

Desk checking occurs before the program is written. Desk checking involves tracing through the design tool to ensure accuracy.

Design Tools

Pseudo Code IPO Chart Flow Chart Structure Chart

Pseudo Code

English statement that do not follow any rules of syntax. The statement provide an algorithm or solution to the specs.

Binary Number

Internally the computer stores your program as a binary number. A binary number is a series of 1s and 0s.

Selection or Decision Statements

Statements within a program that allow the code to execute a block of code or skip the block altogether during execution of the program.

Storage

Storage is used to permanently preserve data/informant. Data stored on storage is preserved even if the power is turned off.

Testing (or debugging)

Testing requires the programmer to run the program using various sample input data and examining the output to ensure accuracy.

camelCase

The first letter of the name is in lower case, and all other letters are in lower case except for the first letter of each new word, which will start with a capital letter. camelCase will be used for all assignments during this semester.

{}

are used to mark the beginning and ending of a block of code.

CPU

central processing unit. This is where all calculations take place. If compared to the human, it would represent the brains of the computer system.

Conditions

conditions are used within decision statements and loops. A condition evaluates to either true or false.

Output

information from the computer system

Input

information put into the computer system

Hardware

physical components of the computing system

Text Editor

this is a common software program normally found as part of the operating system.

C Source Code

this is created by a computer programmer. In the case of C, for example, this exists as a simple text document. The contents can easily be viewed on the screen.

Compiler

this is part of the C software program. a) convert your source code into executable code, b) identify syntax errors in your source code.

Conditional Operators

And (&&), Or (||) and Not (!). Conditional Operators are used to join two conditions together.

ROM

Read Only Memory. This is area is used by the operating system during computer start up. The computer reads from this location but does not write.

Variables

Variables are memory locations that have a user defined name and a data type. The value of a variable can change during the execution of the program.

Debugging

synonymous with testing.