Python Programming: 00 Programming Concepts

Python Programming: Lesson 1

Programming Concepts

​Computers and Programs

• ​A computer program is a detailed, step-by-step set of instructions telling a computer exactly what to do.

• ​The process of creating software is called programming.

• ​The fundamental question of computer science is 'What can be computed?'

Multiple Choice

What is an algorithm?

• A computer program

• A set of step-by-step instructions

• A programming language

​Programming Languages

• ​Programs are written in languages called programming languages.

• ​Humans can understand high-level languages such as Python, C# and Java.

• ​Computers can understand low-level languages such as Assembly Language and Machine Code.

Multiple Choice

Computer languages designed to be understood by humans are:

• Natural languages

• High-Level Languages

• Machine Languages

• Fetch-Execute Languages

Open Ended

Explain what a high-level language is and give three examples of high-level programming languages.

Open Ended

Explain what low-level programming languages are and give two examples.

Open Ended

Compare and contrast high and low level programming languages. What are the advantages/disadvantages of these?

​Compilers & Interpreters

• Translate programs from high-level to low-level languages.

• ​Interpreters translate code line by line.

• ​Interpreters are used each time the code is run.

• ​Compilers translate code all at once and make an executable file.

Multiple Choice

One difference between a compiler and interpreter is:

• A compiler is a program

• A compiler translates code into machine language

• A compiler is no longer needed after a program is translated

• A compiler processes source code

Open Ended

Explain what is meant by a 'compiled language' and give an example of one.

Open Ended

Explain what is meant by an 'interpreted language' and give an example of one.

Open Ended

Compare and contrast compilers and interpreters. What are the advantages / disadvantages of each?