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Chapter 1 Problem Solving and Introduction To C

This document introduces concepts related to problem solving and programming. It discusses problem solving techniques and tools like flowcharts and algorithms. It provides an overview of procedural and object-oriented programming approaches. It also introduces C programming concepts like basic structure, compilers used, and sample programs.

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alvaeuv66
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44 views

Chapter 1 Problem Solving and Introduction To C

This document introduces concepts related to problem solving and programming. It discusses problem solving techniques and tools like flowcharts and algorithms. It provides an overview of procedural and object-oriented programming approaches. It also introduces C programming concepts like basic structure, compilers used, and sample programs.

Uploaded by

alvaeuv66
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM

SOLVING AND PROGRAMMING


CONCEPTS
BY: SAMWEL TARUS
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
Problem solving
Techniques of problem solving
Tools of problem solving.
Programming methodologies
Introduction to C programming language
Basic structure of a structured programming language (C language)
Importance of a structured programming language
Executing a structured language.
Sample programs to demonstrate the concepts
Basic Terms in Programming
Instruction

Program

Software

System, Computer

Source Program

Object Program

Computer Languages H.L.L, Assembly machine lang (0,1)

programmer
Problem solving

• The act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem;


identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and
implementing a solution.

• Basic steps in solving a problem:


Defining the problem.
Generating alternatives.
Evaluating and selecting alternatives.
Implementing solutions.
Techniques of problem solving

1. Divide and conquer strategy

2. Trial and error strategy

3. Top down strategy

4. Bottom up strategy
Factors to consider when selecting a technique for solving a
problem.
Nature of the problem
Familiarity with the technique
Cost of the technique
Reliability of the technique
Efficiency of the technique
Robustness of the technique
Accuracy of the Technique
Flexibility of the Technique
Tools of problem solving.

1. Flowcharts

2. Algorithm

3. Program
Flowcharts
Diagrammatic / Pictorial representation of the solution process to a problem.
Uses shapes and symbols of different types to represent the set of activities in
problem solving.
A graphical representations of steps.
• E.g, Oval Rectangle Arrows

• Decision
Benefits of a flowchart
1. Easier to understand compare to Algorithms and Pseudo code.
2. Helps to clarify complex processes.
3. Communication:
Better way of communicating the logic of a system to all concerned or involved.
Helps team members gain a shared understanding of the process and use this knowledge
to collect data, identify problems, focus discussions, and identify resources.
4. Effective analysis:
Problem can be analyzed in more effective way tea4 reducing cost and wastage of time.
5. Proper documentation:
Serve as a good program documentation, which is needed for various purposes, making
things more efficient.
6. Efficient Program Maintenance:
Helps the programmer to locate errors and put more efforts more efficiently.
7. Efficient Coding:
Guidelines for Developing Flowcharts

These are some points to keep in mind while developing a flowchart −

Flowchart can have only one start and one stop symbol

General flow of processes is top to bottom or left to right

Arrows should not cross each other

On-page connectors are referenced using numbers

Off-page connectors are referenced using alphabets


Algorithms
• Finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions,
typically to solve a class of problems or to perform a computation
• Series of instructions that are followed, step by step, to do something
useful or solve a problem.
You could consider a cake recipe an algorithm for making a cake, for
example.
• Characteristics of algorithms:
Sequence of statements must not be ambiguous.
Sequence of statements must have a start and an end
All algorithms must terminate producing a solution.

• Examples:
Programming methodologies

1. Procedural (Modular) programming approach

2. Object Oriented programming approach


Procedural (Modular) programming approach
One that directly instructs a device on how to finish a task in logical steps.
Linear top-down approach and treats data and procedures as two different entities.
Divides the program into procedures, which are also known as routines or
functions, simply containing a series of steps to be carried out.
Object Oriented Programming
• Views a problem as a collection of objects.

• https://hackr.io/blog/procedural-programming
Introduction to C programming language

H.L.L introduced by Brian Kernighan and Dennies Ritchie in 1972.


English notation
A modular programming language. BCPL 1964
Programming language developed at AT & T’s Bell Laboratories of USA in
1972.
Used to write system software. (UNIX o/s).
Basic structure of a structured programming language (C language)
Documentation Section Directed user
Header Files Section
main( ) Function Section
{
Declaration part
Executable part
}
Sub program section
{ Declaration part /* user defined function*/
Executable part
}
Importance of a structured programming language
It is user friendly and easy to understand.

Similar to English vocabulary of words and symbols.

It is easier to learn.

They require less time to write.

They are easier to maintain.

These are mainly problem oriented rather than machine based.

Machine independent.
Compilers used in C programming
Borland C ...

Dev C

Turbo C

Code block.

Embarcadero C++ builder. ...

Clang

C Free

Intel C++ ...


Executing a structured language.

1. To demonstrate using a program

2. Creating a new program.

3. Saving a program

4. Running the program

5. Closing the program


Sample programs to demonstrate the concepts

1. Program to display welcome to C programming

2. Program to find sum of any two input numbers.

3. Program to compute simple interest for the sum invested.

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