Welcome to Basic Computer Coding, Whether you’re a student, a curious learner, or someone looking to start a new career, this guide is designed just for you. Coding might seem challenging at first, but with the right approach, it can be fun and incredibly rewarding. In this article, we will take you through the basics step by step, using simple language and easy-to-implement examples. By the end of this article, you’ll understand the core concepts of coding and will easily write your first program. So let us begin with our article and learn further.
What Is Coding?
Coding is like giving instructions to a computer to make it do what you want. Just as you follow some recipe to make a particular dish, coding involves writing a set of steps for the computer to perform a specific task. These instructions are written in special languages that computers understand, such as C, C++, Python, Java, or HTML. By learning to code, you can create websites, apps, games, and much more.
Basic Computer Coding Things To Learn
When It comes to coding, it is essential to learn all the basic things as it helps in writing programs in an efficient and effective way. We’ve mentioned below some of the common basic computer coding terms that you must know before writing your first code. Let us understand each term written below in detail which will help you become a proficient programmer.
- Programming Environment
- Basic Syntax
- Data Types
- Variables
- Basic Operators
- Loops
- Arrays
1. Computer Programming Environment
To start coding, you need the right tools, just like a carpenter needs a hammer and nails. This collection of tools is called the programming environment. It’s essential because it provides everything you need to write, test, and run your code efficiently.
Having a proper programming environment is crucial because it:
- Provides tools that make writing code easier and more efficient.
- Helps you find and fix errors in your code quickly.
- Allows you to test your code and see the results immediately.
- Makes it easier for beginners to learn and understand programming concepts.
Components of a Basic Programming Environment
Some of the basic components that you should know before setting up a coding environment are written below for your reference.
1. Text Editor
A text editor is like a digital notebook where you write your code. It can be as simple as Notepad on Windows or more advanced like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text. A good text editor helps you write and organize your code easily, with features like syntax highlighting (which makes the code colorful and easier to read) and auto-completion (which helps you write code faster).
2. Compiler
A compiler is a tool that translates your entire code into a language the computer can understand all at once. Think of it as a translator converting a book from one language to another. For example, if you’re writing in C++, the compiler turns your C++ code into machine language so the computer can execute it. Compilers are used in languages like C, C++, and Java.
3. Interpreter
An interpreter, on the other hand, translates and executes your code line by line. It’s like having a translator who reads a sentence in one language and immediately says it in another. This is useful for quickly testing and running code without waiting for the entire program to compile. Languages like Python and JavaScript use interpreters.
2. Basic Computer Coding Syntax
Let us now look into some actual coding to get you started on your journey of becoming a computer programmer. We’ll begin with a simple program that displays “Hello, World!” on your screen. This is generally the first program written by beginners because it shows you the basics of how code works. Here’s how to write it in a few different programming languages:
1. C Program For “Hello World”
| #include <stdio.h>
int main() { printf(“Hello, World!\n”); return 0; } |
- #include <stdio.h>: Includes the Standard Input Output library which is necessary for using the printf function.
- int main(): The main function where program execution begins.
- printf(“Hello, World!\n”);: Prints the string “Hello, World!” to the console.
- return 0;: Indicates that the program has executed successfully.
2. C++ Program For “Hello World”
| #include <iostream>
int main() { cout << “Hello, World!” <<endl; return 0; } |
- #include <iostream>: Includes the input-output stream library.
- int main(): The main function where program execution begins.
- cout << “Hello, World!” << endl;: Prints the string “Hello, World!” to the console using the cout function.
- return 0;: Indicates that the program has executed successfully.
3. Java Program For “Hello World”
| public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.println(“Hello, World!”); } } |
- public class Main: Declares a public class named Main.
- public static void main(String[] args): The main method where the program execution starts. Similar to int main() in C and C++.
- System.out.println(“Hello, World!”);: Prints the string “Hello, World!” to the console. Similar to “Printf” and “Cout” of C and C++.
3. Data Type
Data type is a simple yet important term in almost all the programming languages. As its name indicates, Data types are categories that define what kind of data a variable can hold. They tell the computer what type of value to expect, such as numbers, text, or more complex structures. Data types are important because they help the computer understand how to handle and store the data properly.
1. Integer (int)
An integer, or `int`, is a type of data used to represent whole numbers without any decimal points. These numbers can be positive, negative, or zero. For example, 5, -3, and 0 are all integers. Integers are commonly used in programming for counting items, controlling loops, and performing arithmetic operations.
| Example-
Int A = 5; Int B = -3; Int C = 0; |
2. Character (char)
A `char` is a data type that holds a single character, such as a letter, a digit, or a special symbol. For instance, ‘a’, ‘1’, and ‘!’ are all characters. In programming, chars are used when you need to store or manipulate individual characters, like when processing text.
| Example-
Char = A; Char = !; |
3. Floating Point (float)
A `float` is a data type used to represent numbers that have a decimal point, allowing for fractional values. Examples include 3.14, -0.001, and 2.718. Floats are essential in programming for tasks that require precision, such as scientific calculations, measurements, and financial computations.
| Example-
Float Pie = 3.14; |
4. Boolean (bool)
A `bool`, or Boolean, is a data type that represents one of two values: `true` or `false`. These values are used in programming to make decisions, control the flow of a program, and manage conditions. For example, you might use a boolean to check if a user is logged in or not. It generally gives answers in the form of 0 or 1 where 0 means false and 1 means true.
| Example-
Bool Is_Raining = True; Bool Is_Sunny = False; |
5. String (string)
A `string` is a sequence of characters used to represent text. Examples include “Hello, World!”, “12345”, and “Apple”. Strings are used in programming for a variety of tasks, such as displaying messages to the user, taking input, and processing text data. They are essential for creating readable and interactive programs.
| Example-
String = “My Name Is Sahil”; |
6. Double (double)
A `double` is similar to a `float` but provides double the precision, meaning it can store numbers with more decimal places. Examples include 3.1415926535 and 2.7182818284. Doubles are used in programming when you need a higher level of precision in calculations, such as in scientific research and complex mathematical computations.
4. Variables
A variable is like a container that holds data. You can consider it as a labeled box where you can store information that you can use later in your program. For example, if you want to remember someone’s age, you can use a variable to store that age. Let us understand it more clearly with the help of a code.
| Example-
Int Age = 30; Float Pie = 3.14; |
Here in the above program, `age` is a variable of integer data type that stores the value `30` and similarly ‘Pie’ is a variable of Float data type storing the value ‘3.14’
5. Basic Operators
Operators are symbols in programming that perform operations on variables and values. They are used for a variety of tasks such as arithmetic calculations, comparisons, and logical operations. For example, the `+` operator adds two numbers, the `==` operator checks if two values are equal, and the `and` operator checks if both conditions are true. Operators help in manipulating data and controlling the flow of a program. They are essential for performing basic tasks in any programming language. Let us study the table below to get insights into all the common operators and their specific functions.
Common Operators and Their Functions
| Operator | Example | Description |
| + | 5 + 3 | Adds two numbers |
| – | 5 – 3 | Subtract the second number from first. |
| * | 5 * 3 | Multiplies two numbers together. |
| / | 6 / 3 | Divides the first numbr by second. |
| % | 5 % 3 | Gives the remainder of Division. |
| == | 5 == 5 | Checks if two values are equal. |
| != | 5 !=3 | Checks if two values are not equal. |
| > | 5 > 3 | Checks if the first value is greater. |
| < | 3 < 5 | Checks if the first value is smaller. |
| >= | 5 >= 3 | Checks if the value is greater or equal. |
6. Loops
A loop is a way to repeat a block of code multiple times. This is useful when you want to perform the same action more than once till the time you will not get desired result.
Types of Loops
There are various types of loops used in the programming language, each having its different function and speciality. Let us understand each one of them with the help of examples.
- For Loop- A for loop is used to iterate over a sequence of objects. The loop runs a specified set of instructions number of times, and you can specify the range or sequence over which it should run.
| Example-
#include <iostream> int main() { return 0; |
- While Loop- A while loop repeats a block of code as long as a specified condition is true. It’s useful when you don’t know in advance how many times you need to repeat a block of code. So you specify a condition in advance, the code will automatically run whenever the defined condition is true.
| Example-
#include <iostream> int main() { // While loop return 0; |
7. Arrays
An array is a collection of items stored at contiguous memory locations. The items can be of any type (integers, floats, characters, etc.), but they are usually of the same type. Arrays are useful for storing multiple values in a single variable.
| Example-
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]; Fruits = [ Apple, Mango, Banana, Orange]; |
Here, `numbers` is an array containing the values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. And ‘Fruits’ is an array containing the values apple, mango, banana, orange.
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Basic Computer Coding FAQs
Which programming language should I start with?
C++ is highly recommended for beginners due to its simple and readable syntax. It's widely used by beginners and has a large supportive community.
Do I need a special computer to start coding?
No, you don’t need a special computer. Any standard computer with internet access will work. But yes, you may need to install some software or tools depending on the programming language you choose.
What tools do I need to start coding?
You need a text editor or an IDE like Visual Studio Code and sometimes a compiler or interpreter for the programming language you're using.
