Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Scribd
Upload
14 views

MODULE 6 Basics of Computer Programming

Uploaded by

onyangowilbrod95
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views

MODULE 6 Basics of Computer Programming

Uploaded by

onyangowilbrod95
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Module 6: Basics of Computer Programming

Introduction
Computer programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining code
that a computer can understand and execute.
Programming is at the heart of software development, enabling us to create a wide range of
applications, from simple scripts to complex software systems.
A computer program is a set of instructions written in a specific programming language that
tells a computer what to do.
Programs are executed by a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) and can perform a
wide variety of tasks, from calculations to data processing and user interface interactions.

Key Concepts in Programming


1. Algorithms: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a specific
problem or performing a task.
Algorithms are the foundation of computer programming and serve as the blueprint for
writing code.
2. Programming Languages: A programming language is a formal system for writing
computer programs.
Popular programming languages include Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, and Ruby.
3. Syntax and Semantics: Syntax refers to the rules and structure of a programming
language, including how statements and commands are written.
Semantics deals with the meaning of statements and commands in a programming language.
4. Variables and Data Types: Variables are used to store and manipulate data in a program.
They have names, types, and values.
Data types include integers, floating-point numbers, strings, boolean, and more.
5. Control Structures: Control structures allow you to control the flow of a program.
Common control structures include loops (for, while) and conditional statements (if, else).
6. Functions and Procedures: Functions (or procedures) are reusable blocks of code that
perform a specific task.
Functions promote code modularity and reusability.

Writing Your First Program


Let's write a simple "Hello, World!" program in Python:
Copy code
print("Hello, World!")
The print() function is used to display output to the screen.
The text "Hello, World!" is enclosed in double quotes to create a string.

The Programming Process


 Problem Definition: Clearly define the problem you want to solve with your program.
 Algorithm Design: Develop a step-by-step plan (algorithm) to solve the problem.
 Coding: Write the actual code in a chosen programming language.
 Testing and Debugging: Test the program thoroughly to identify and fix any errors (bugs).
 Documentation: Document your code, including comments and explanations, to make it
understandable to others (and your future self).
 Maintenance: As software evolves, you may need to update and maintain your code to
adapt to changing requirements or to fix issues.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)


The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach used by organizations
to plan, design, build, test, deploy, and maintain information systems and software
applications.
It provides a systematic and organized process for developing and managing technology
projects.
The SDLC typically consists of several phases, each with its own set of activities, objectives,
and deliverables. Here are the common phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle:

Planning:
Objectives: Define the project's scope, objectives, goals, and constraints.
Activities: Conduct feasibility studies, assess resource requirements, establish a project team,
and develop a project plan.
Deliverables: Project charter, feasibility report, project plan, and initial cost estimates.

Analysis:
Objectives: Understand the current system (if applicable) and gather detailed requirements for
the new system.
Activities: Conduct interviews, surveys, and workshops with stakeholders, analyze existing
documents, and document functional and non-functional requirements.
Deliverables: Requirements document, use cases, data models, and system specifications.

Design:
Objectives: Create a detailed design for the new system based on the requirements gathered.
Activities: Develop system architecture, design data structures, user interfaces, and databases.
Create technical specifications and detailed system diagrams.
Deliverables: System design documents, database schemas, user interface prototypes, and
detailed technical specifications.

Implementation (Coding):
Objectives: Develop the actual system based on the design specifications.
Activities: Write, compile, and test the code. Develop modules and components, perform unit
testing, and integrate them into the complete system.
Deliverables: Executable code, software modules, and unit test reports.

Testing:
Objectives: Verify and validate that the system functions correctly and meets the specified
requirements.
Activities: Plan and execute various testing phases, including unit testing, integration testing,
system testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
Deliverables: Test plans, test cases, test results, and defect reports.
Deployment (or Implementation):
Objectives: Prepare for and deploy the system into the production environment.
Activities: Install hardware and software, configure the system, migrate data, train users, and
create user documentation.
Deliverables: Deployed and operational system, user manuals, and training materials.

Maintenance and Support:


Objectives: Ensure the system continues to operate effectively, address issues, and make
improvements.
Activities: Monitor system performance, provide user support, resolve defects, and implement
updates and enhancements.
Deliverables: Maintenance reports, updated documentation, and improved system versions.

Evaluation (Optional):
Objectives: Assess the system's performance and effectiveness after it has been in use.
Activities: Collect feedback from users, measure system performance against objectives, and
identify areas for improvement.
Deliverables: Evaluation reports and recommendations for enhancements.

The Systems Development Life Cycle is not always linear and may involve iterative
processes, especially in Agile methodologies, where development occurs in short cycles or
sprints. The choice of SDLC model depends on the project's complexity, requirements, and
organizational preferences. Properly following the SDLC helps ensure that technology
projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the needs of stakeholders.

Projects in SDLC
These projects can range from small-scale initiatives to large, complex endeavors. Here are
some basic project types within the SDLC:

New System Development:


Objective: To design and build a completely new information system or software application
to meet specific business needs.
Activities: Requirements analysis, system design, coding, testing, deployment, and
maintenance.
Example: Developing a new customer relationship management (CRM) system for a
company.

Software Enhancement or Feature Addition:


Objective: To add new features or functionality to an existing software application.
Activities: Requirements analysis, design modifications, coding, testing, and deployment.
Example: Adding a payment gateway to an e-commerce website.

System Upgrade or Migration:


Objective: To upgrade or migrate an existing system to a newer version, platform, or
technology.
Activities: Compatibility analysis, data migration, testing, and deployment.
Example: Upgrading an organization's operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Maintenance and Bug Fixes:
Objective: To address and fix software defects, performance issues, or security vulnerabilities.
Activities: Issue identification, debugging, code modifications, testing, and deployment.
Example: Resolving security vulnerabilities in a web application.

Data Migration and Conversion:


Objective: To move data from one system to another or convert data from one format to
another.
Activities: Data extraction, transformation, loading (ETL), and validation.
Example: Migrating customer data from an old CRM system to a new one.

Integration Projects:
Objective: To integrate multiple systems or applications to work together seamlessly.
Activities: Integration design, development, testing, and deployment.
Example: Integrating a company's ERP system with its supply chain management software.

Business Process Automation:


Objective: To automate manual or paper-based business processes using software solutions.
Activities: Process analysis, automation design, software development, and testing.
Example: Implementing an automated workflow system for expense approvals.

Mobile App Development:


Objective: To create mobile applications for smartphones and tablets.
Activities: Requirements gathering, mobile app design, development, testing, and deployment.
Example: Developing a mobile app for online shopping.

Web Application Development:


Objective: To create web-based applications accessible via web browsers.
Activities: Web application design, front-end and back-end development, testing, and
deployment.
Example: Building a web-based project management tool.

Data Warehouse Development:


Objective: To design and build a data warehouse for storing and analyzing large volumes of
data.
Activities: Data modeling, ETL processes, data integration, and reporting development.
Example: Developing a data warehouse for business intelligence and analytics.
These are just a few examples of the types of projects that can be part of the SDLC. The
choice of project type depends on an organization's specific needs and goals, and projects may
often involve a combination of these project types to achieve desired outcomes.

You might also like