Overview Of Computers and Programming Languages revised

Summary

In this informative presentation, Associate Professor Jessie Almeranes provides an overview of computers and programming languages. Key points include the definition of a computer, generations of computers, elements of a computer system, computer languages, the evolution of programming languages, and object-oriented programming. The talk emphasizes the importance of requirements before coding and highlights the top programming languages of 2022. It concludes with the process of developing a high-level language program, from analysis to implementation, and the distinction between structured and object-oriented programming.

Takeaways

• 💻 A computer is a high-speed electronic device that processes data into meaningful information.
• 📈 The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes and lasted from 1940 to 1956.
• 🔬 The second generation of computers introduced transistors and spanned from 1956 to 1963.
• 🏭 The third generation featured integrated circuits and lasted from 1964 to 1971.
• 💡 The fourth generation, from 1971 to 2010, saw the development of microprocessors.
• 🤖 The fifth generation, from 2010 to present, is characterized by artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
• 🔮 The sixth generation of computers is anticipated to involve quantum computing and nanotechnology.
• 🛠️ Hardware includes the central processing unit, input/output devices, and memory, while software is divided into application and system software.
• 🔢 The language of computers is binary, with zeros and ones representing data.
• 📊 Programming languages have evolved from machine language to high-level languages like Python, C, and Java.
• 🔄 The process of developing a high-level language program involves analysis, coding, compiling, linking, and execution.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of programming according to the script?

Programming is the art of adding bugs to an empty text file, which highlights the need for requirements before starting a program to ensure it functions as intended.

What are the two key terms defined in the script's explanation of what a computer is?

The two key terms are 'data', which refers to raw facts such as letters, numbers, and special characters, and 'information', which refers to processed data that has meaning.

What are the five generations of computers mentioned in the presentation?

The five generations are: 1) First generation (1940-1956) - vacuum tubes, 2) Second generation (1956-1963) - transistors, 3) Third generation (1964-1971) - integrated circuits, 4) Fourth generation (1971-2010) - microprocessors, 5) Fifth generation (2010-present) - artificial intelligence.

What are the two main types of memory in a computer system?

The two main types of memory are Random Access Memory (RAM), which is used for executing programs, and Read-Only Memory (ROM), which stores essential system information permanently.

What does the ASCII table represent and how is it used?

The ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) table represents characters using a 7-bit code where each bit corresponds to a unique character. It is used to store text data in binary form.

How do high-level languages get translated into machine language?

High-level languages are translated into machine language by a compiler, which converts the source code into an object code that the computer can execute.

What is the difference between structured programming and object-oriented programming?

Structured programming focuses on algorithms and uses functions to process data, while object-oriented programming (OOP) organizes data and functions into objects, promoting code reuse and modularity.

What is the role of a linker in the compilation process?

The linker combines common library routines with object code to create an executable file that can be run on a computer.

What are the steps involved in processing a high-level language program?

The steps include: 1) Create the source program using an editor, 2) Compile the source code using a compiler, 3) Link the object code with libraries, 4) Load the executable into memory, and 5) Execute the program.

What programming languages are considered top languages in 2022 according to the presentation?

The top programming languages in 2022 are Python, C, C++, C#, Java, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and TypeScript.