Introduction to Computer Programming

Instructor: Robert Willey

Course Outline

Course Objective

The objective of the course is to teach students how to write computer programs. The class presents the principles of structured programming using the BASIC language, perhaps the most common language for personal computers. Because of its ease of use it is ideal as a first programming language and runs on both the PC and Macintosh platforms.

The course is designed for people without previous programming experience who do not necessarily plan on becoming professional programmers. However, the knowledge gained in the class can be applied later to other languages such as C and Java. Participants learn to solve problems logically by breaking them into smaller pieces which can then be solved.

Information is presented via the world wide web and programming assignments are submitted via electronic mail to the instructor. Students need access to a web browser such as Netscape and an electronic mail account. No regular class meetings are held, although students who wish to meet with the teaching assistant to discuss assignments will have the opportunity to meet during office hours on the UCSB campus. Students can communicate with the instructor by email.

Topics

General programming information
• Introduction to computing - how does a computer work?
• Input and output - getting information to and from the user
• Variables and expressions - performing arithmetic
• Data statements - reading information from inside the program
• Text files - reading information from other files
• Arrays - groups of variables
• Debugging - finding errors in your program
• Graphics - graphs, boxes, shaded areas
• Formatting - changing how things look on the screen

Control Structures
• Sequential - doing things one step at a time in order
• True/false: If-then-else - take one of two paths depending on a condition
• Multiple paths: Select Case - take one of a number of paths
• Do loops - repeat an action until a condition is reached
• For-next loops - repeat an action a specified number of times.

For more information on the course and assignments consult the syllabus. After registering for the course you will be given access to assignments, lecture materials, and supplementary information.

Materials

1) BASIC is used throughout the course and a student version can be ordered in PC or Mac format from the publisher. We recommend that you purchase the software in order to obtain the student edition manual that comes with the software in order to follow along with the additional reading material assigned from it.

2) The required textbook for the course is titled Let's Program It in True BASIC by Avery Catlin. It may be ordered from the publisher listed below with a credit card. When you order specify whether you want the text solutions in Macintosh or PC format. Order the book and the software as soon as possible after registering for the course so that you can begin reading and using the software.

True Basic Press
12 Commerce Avenue
West Lebanon, NH 03784-1669

tel: (603) 298-5655   /   (800) 436 2111 
fax: (603) 298 7015

©2001 Robert Willey
Send email to the instructor: willey@louisiana.edu