Chapter 1. Introduction
CHAPTER GOALS
To understand the activity of programming
To learn about the architecture of computers
To learn about machine code and high-level programming languages
To become familiar with the structure of simple Java programs
To compile and run your first Java program
To recognize compile-time and run-time errors
To write pseudocode for simple algorithms
The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize you with the concepts of programming and program development. It reviews the architecture of a computer and discusses the difference between machine code and high-level programming languages. You will see how to compile and run your first Java program, and how to diagnose errors that may occur when a program is compiled or executed. Finally, you will learn how to formulate simple algorithms using pseudocode notation.
What Is Programming?
You have probably used a computer for work or fun. Many people use computers for everyday tasks such as balancing a checkbook or writing a term paper. Computers are good for such tasks. They can handle repetitive chores, such as totaling up numbers or placing words on a page, without getting bored or exhausted. Computers also make good game machines because they can play sequences of sounds and pictures, involving the human user in the process.
The flexibility of a computer is quite an amazing phenomenon. The same machine can balance your checkbook, print your term paper, and play a game. In contrast, other machines carry out a much narrower ...
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