If you are just getting started as a programmer, there are basic concepts of programming that you must learn, as the functionality of any program you develop depends on them. Furthermore, these basic programming concepts are generally applicable, irrespective of your programming language.
Therefore, you must understand these programming terms and how they work. Hence, in this article, you will discover the five significant programming concepts and how each works.
1. Variable Declaration
A variable is a location in a computer’s memory for storing data that can be known or unknown. The value of the stored data can be altered or changed as the programmer sees fit hence the name “variable.”
Declaration of variable is simply the creation of variables and their corresponding function using a keyword. A variable declaration can be achieved by either instructing the compiler what name was given to the variable or specifying the data type the variable would hold.
Depending on the program that supports the variable, it can save various data, like arrays, booleans, integers, names, pictures, scalars, sounds, strings, and more. In addition, variables have four attributes, including data location, data identifier, types, and value, and these are used at specific intervals during a program.
Furthermore, the variable types specify what kind of information is being stored. The types of variables include class, constant, global, instance, and local variables.
2. Syntax
Syntax refers to a set of regulations that dictate which combinations of characters constitute a valid statement in a language. Therefore, it is the fundamental structure and basis of all programming languages. As such, it will only be possible for the computer to understand your instructions if you follow the programming language’s syntax.
Also, the syntax isn’t as flexible as the human language, which can still be understood even if there is a blunder. So instead, a single error in the code or its arrangement will result in a “syntax error.” The syntax error means that the computer is unsure of your command; therefore, it can only execute any action once you input the correct code and follow the language’s syntax accurately.
3. Object-oriented Programming
Object-oriented programming is a computer programming paradigm involving classes and objects. Accordingly, it is used to arrange a computer program into simple pieces of code frameworks (also called classes) that coders can deploy multiple times, which are also used to make singular instances of objects.
Object-oriented programming (OOP) aims to implement real-world entities like inheritance and polymorphism in programming by binding the data and functions that operate on them so that the code cannot access that data except by function.
Some object-oriented features are as follows:
- Class: A class is a framework or blueprint for creating an object, assigning a value to the object, and defining its function. Also, it serves as a template for defining future or coming objects.
- Object: This represents the components which assign properties or functions that make data useful, and it is the basic unit of OOP. Each object contains data about a class and the code to manipulate the data.
- Data abstraction: This is an essential part of OOP because it conceals the mainframe of the object and its functions while providing only simplified necessary information.
- Encapsulation: Better known as data hiding, it is a program that binds code and data that it controls and hides it from any other class that users can access.
- Inheritance: This is the ability of a class to take, mimic, or derive data and properties from another class.
- Polymorphism: This is simply the ability of an object to display more than one form according to its context of use.
Additionally, many programming languages support object-oriented programming. Some of the best programming languages to learn for object-oriented programming include C#, C++, Java, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. However, many experts, including the folks at Programmers.io, say Java is today’s best and most-used object-oriented programming language.
4. Flowcharts
Flowcharts are the pictorial representation of data structures arranged in a graphical manner or with diagrams. Furthermore, it makes the algorithm represented in a much more understandable format so that users can easily understand complex programming codes. Also, flowcharts give a detailed description of the algorithm, process, and solutions to a problem.
Flowcharts use a variety of shapes, with each having its functions in an orderly and sequential manner. Coupled with its pictorial representation, it makes learning much easier for beginner programmers.
The major types of flowcharts used in programming include:
- Process flowchart: This type of chart clearly illustrates how the computer program should move from one function to another and shows the connection between different components and procedures in a program.
- Data flowchart: The data flowchart is used to analyze the data structure of the program, such as illustrating data structure, data inflow, and outflow in the development and sending and receiving data from one system to another.
5. Debugging
To explain debugging, you should know what a bug in your code means. So bugs in programming are simply mistakes or errors in the algorithm that cause the program not to execute. Debugging is identifying the cause of the problem, isolating it, and either rewriting the code or finding a backpass around the situation.
However, debugging is not limited to coding, as various factors can lead to errors when running a code or program. Thus, there is software and hardware debugging.
In software debugging, you must first locate the code error before reproducing or rewriting the code. In comparison, hardware debugging involves looking for faulty computer components for replacement and repairs or an incomplete installation.
Programming is a process that requires accuracy. However, as humans, we tend to make errors, hence, the concept of debugging. When debugging, carefully scrutinize each line of code rather than skimming through so you can correct all the bugs.
5 Basic Programming Concepts You Should Know – Final Thoughts
Like any subject, fundamental terms make up programming, which you must understand to master the skill. The primary programming concepts include variable declaration, syntax, object-oriented programming, flowcharts, and debugging.
These concepts are essential when creating programs; ignoring one will deter the functionality of your program. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how each works, interact with the others, and implement it so you can easily create a workable computer program.
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