Unit 1: Computer Basics: Characteristics of Computers, Simple

Model of a Computer, Algorithms, Problem Solving Using

Computers. Programming Languages: Why Programming Language?
Assembly Language, Higher Level Programming Languages,
Compiling A High-Level Language Program, Some High-Level
Languages.

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data from the user,

processes it, produces results, displays them to the users, and stores the
results for future usage.
Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not provide any
further information regarding patterns, context, etc. Hence data means
"unstructured facts and figures".
Information is a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and processed
data. To process the data and convert into information, a computer is used.

The characteristics of the computer system are as follows −

Speed

A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to

humans while performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process
millions (1,000,000) of instructions per second. The time taken by computers
for their operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.

Accuracy

Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due
to data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Diligence

A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same

consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration.
Its memory also makes it superior to that of human beings.

Versatility

Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of

works with same accuracy and efficiency.

Reliability

A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e.,
if we give same set of input any number of times, we will get the same
result.

Automation

Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without
manual intervention.

Memory

A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc.,
which are also used to store data.

Simple Model of Computer

Input device :
In put device is the device by which we can send some thing (data) to
computer from out side of the computer. Example of input Device : Mouse,
Keyboard, Scanner, light pen, joystick etc.

Output Device :
This device send the result done by the computer to the outer world or to the
user (out side the computer). Example: Monitor,Printer, Speaker etc.

Main Memory :
The main memory of the computer is also known as RAM, standing
for Random Access Memory. It is constructed from integrated circuits and
needs to have electrical power in order to maintain its information. When
power is lost, the information is lost too! It can be directly accessed by the
CPU.

Secondary Memory :
Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a long-term
basis. Common secondary storage devices are the hard disk and optical
disks. The hard disk has enormous storage capacity compared
to main memory. The hard disk is usually contained inside the case of a
computer.

CPU :
The part of a computer in which operations are controlled and executed.
 Control Unit :
The control unit (CU) is a component of a computer’s central
processing unit (CPU) that directs operation of the processor. It tells
the computer’s memory, arithmetic/logic unit and input and output
devices how to respond to a program’s instructions.
 A.L.U :
An arithmetic logic unit (A.L.U) is a digital electronic circuit that
performs arithmetic and bitwise logical operations on integer binary
numbers. It is a fundamental building block of the central
processing unit (CPU) found in many computers.

Algorithms
Defination : An algorithm is a procedure that describes a set of instructions
that must be carried out in a specific order to get the desired result.
The purpose of using an algorithm is to increase the reliability, accuracy and
efficiency of obtaining solutions.

Characteristics of a good algorithm

 Precision — the steps are precisely stated or defined.

 Uniqueness — results of each step are uniquely defined and only
depend on the input and the result of the preceding steps.
 Finiteness — the algorithm always stops after a finite number of
steps.
 Input — the algorithm receives some input.
 Output — the algorithm produces some output

While writing an algorithm, it is required to clearly identify the

following:

 The input to be taken from the user

 Processing or computation to be performed to get the desired result
 The output desired by the user

Problem Solving Using Computers.

Problem Solving Process

Phase 1 - Analyze the problem

 Outline the problem and its requirements

 Design (algorithm) to solve the problem ( Flow chart, pseudo

code)

 Algorithm tracing

Phase 2 - Implement the algorithm

 Implement the algorithm in code (in Programming Language à

Program)

 Verify that the algorithm works

Phase 3 - Maintenance
  Use and modify the program if the requirements changes

Programming Language

What is a Programming Language?

A programming language is a computer language that is used

by programmers (developers) to communicate with computers. It is a
set of instructions written in any specific language ( C, C++, Java, Python) to
perform a specific task.

A programming language is mainly used to develop desktop applications,

websites, and mobile applications.

What is the need for programming languages?

Several software packages are made using programming languages,
together with:

o Operating structures
o Web browsers
o Mobile apps
o Desktop packages
o Video games
o General Software program
o Business-related software programs
o Embedded structures

Programing language is also named as high-level languages. Some of the

commonly used languages are- C, C++, Java, JavaScript, React JS, PHP, .Net,
etc. The mobile applications are coded by using different languages having
distinct features. However, programming languages share a lot of similarities
with each other.

 To advance your ability to develop real algorithms- Most of the

languages come with a lot of features for the Programmers. They can
be used in a proper way to get the best results.
  To Improve Customization of Your Current Coding- By using basic
features of the existing programming language you can simplify things
to program a better option to write resourceful codes. There is no
compulsion of writing code in a specific way. The thing which matters
is the usage of features used and clarity of the concept.
 To Increase Your Vocabulary Of beneficial Programming Constructs-
Programmers use high-level languages to express thoughts. And, by
using the best features they can easily explain the working of a
specific application, device, etc.

Types of programming language

1. Low-level programming language
Low-level language is machine-dependent (0s and 1s) programming
language. The processor runs low- level programs directly without the need
of a compiler or interpreter, so the programs written in low-level language
can be run very fast.

Low-level language is further divided into two parts -

i. Machine Language

Machine language is a type of low-level programming language. It is also

called as machine code or object code. Machine language is easier to
read because it is normally displayed in binary or hexadecimal form (base
16) form. It does not require a translator to convert the programs because
computers directly understand the machine language programs.

The advantage of machine language is that it helps the programmer to

execute the programs faster than the high-level programming language.

ii. Assembly Language

Assembly language (ASM) is also a type of low-level programming language

that is designed for specific processors. It represents the set of instructions
in a symbolic and human-understandable form. It uses an assembler to
convert the assembly language to machine language.

The advantage of assembly language is that it requires less memory and less
execution time to execute a program.
2. High-level programming language
High-level programming language is designed for user-friendly software
programs and websites. This programming language requires a compiler
to translate the program into machine language (execute the program).

The advantage of a high-level language is easy to read, write, and

maintain.

High-level programming language includes Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP,

C#, C++, Objective C, Cobol, Perl, Pascal, LISP, FORTRAN, and Swift
programming language.

A high-level language is further divided into three parts -

i. Procedural Oriented programming language

Procedural Oriented Programming (POP) language is DERIVED FROM

PROCEDURE OF PROGRAM……///// It divides a program into small PARTS
called functions.

POP language is used by a software programmer to create a program

Example == Adobe, Microsoft Visual Studio.

The advantage of POP language is easy track the code can be reused in
different parts of the program.

ii. Object-Oriented Programming language

* Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language is based on the objects.

* In this programming language, programs are divided into small

parts called objects.

* The program to makes the program resusable, efficient, and easy-to-use.

The advantage of OOP is faster and easier to execute, maintain,debug. .

Example: C++, Java, Python, C#, etc.

iii. Natural language

Natural language is a part of human languages such as English, Russian,

German
* It is used by machines to understand human's language.

*It is used to perform tasks such as translation, automatic

summarization, naming a file.

* Nav yavd bekad qns kelidru namg direct And jaldi ans kodtad…

3. Middle-level programming language

Middle-level programming language lies between the low-level
programming language and high-level programming language. It is
also known as the intermediate programming language and pseudo-
language.

A middle-level programming language's advantages are that it supports the

features of high-level programming, it is a user-friendly language, and
closely related to machine language and human language.

Example: C, C++, language