Basic Programming Concepts
CS10001: Programming & Data Structures
Pallab Dasgupta Professor, Dept. of Computer Sc. & Engg., Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Some Terminologies
Algorithm / Flowchart
A stepstep-by by-step procedure for solving a particular problem. Independent of the programming language.
Program
A translation of the algorithm/flowchart into a form that can be processed by a computer. Typically written in a highhigh-level language like C, C++, Java, etc.
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Variables and Constants
Most important concept for problem solving using computers
All temporary results are stored in terms of variables
The value of a variable can be changed. The value of a constant do not change.
Where are they stored?
In main memory.
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Contd.
How does memory look like (logically)?
As a list of storage locations, each having a unique address. Variables and constants are stored in these storage locations. A variable is like a bin
The contents of the bin is the value of the variable The variable name is used to refer to the value of the variable A variable is mapped to a location of the memory, called its address
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Memory map
Address 0 Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Address 4 Address 5 Address 6
Every variable is mapped to a particular memory address
Address N-1
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Variables in Memory
Instruction executed X = 10 T i m e X = 20 X=X+1 X=X*5
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Variable X 10 20 21 105
Variables in Memory (contd.)
Variable Instruction executed X = 20 T i m e Y = 15 X=Y+3 Y=X/6
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X 20 20 18 18
Y ? 15 15 3
Data Types
Three common data types used:
Integer :: can store only whole numbers
Examples: 25, -56, 1, 0
Floating Floating-point :: can store numbers with fractional values.
Examples: 3.14159, 5.0, -12345.345
Character :: can store a character
Examples: A, a, *, 3, , +
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Data Types (contd.)
How are they stored in memory?
Integer ::
16 bits 32 bits
Float ::
32 bits 64 bits
Actual number of bits vary from one computer to another
Char ::
8 bits (ASCII code) 16 bits (UNICODE, used in Java)
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Problem solving
Step 1:
Clearly specify the problem to be solved.
Step 2:
Draw flowchart or write algorithm.
Step 3:
Convert flowchart (algorithm) into program code.
Step 4:
Compile the program into object code.
Step 5:
Execute the program.
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Flowchart: basic symbols
Computation
Input / Output
Decision Box
Start / Stop
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Contd.
Flow of control
Connector
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Example 1: Adding three numbers
START
READ A, B, C
S=A+B+C
OUTPUT S
STOP
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Example 2: Larger of two numbers
START
READ X, Y
YES
IS X>Y?
NO
OUTPUT X
OUTPUT Y
STOP
STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 3: Largest of three numbers
START
READ X, Y, Z
YES
IS X > Y?
NO
Max = X
Max = Y
YES
OUTPUT Max STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
IS Max > Z?
NO
OUTPUT Z STOP
Example 4: Sum of first N natural numbers
START READ N SUM = 0 COUNT = 1 SUM = SUM + COUNT COUNT = COUNT + 1
NO
IS COUNT > N?
YES
OUTPUT SUM STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 5: SUM = 12 + 22 + 32 + N2
START READ N SUM = 0 COUNT = 1 SUM = SUM + COUNT COUNT COUNT = COUNT + 1
NO
IS COUNT > N?
YES
OUTPUT SUM STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 6: SUM = 1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + to N terms
START READ N SUM = 0 COUNT = 1 SUM = SUM + COUNT (COUNT + 1) COUNT = COUNT + 1
NO
IS COUNT > N?
YES
OUTPUT SUM STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 7: Computing Factorial
START READ N PROD = 1 COUNT = 1 PROD = PROD * COUNT COUNT = COUNT + 1
NO
IS COUNT > N?
YES
OUTPUT PROD STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 8: Computing ex series up to N terms
START READ X, N TERM = 1 SUM = 0 COUNT = 1 SUM = SUM + TERM TERM = TERM * X / COUNT COUNT = COUNT + 1
NO
IS COUNT > N?
YES
OUTPUT SUM STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 8: Computing ex series up to 4 decimal places
START READ X, N TERM = 1 SUM = 0 COUNT = 1 SUM = SUM + TERM TERM = TERM * X / COUNT COUNT = COUNT + 1
NO
IS TERM < 0.0001?
YES
OUTPUT SUM STOP
Dept. of CSE, IIT KGP
Example 10: Roots of a quadratic equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0
TRY YOURSELF
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Example 11: Grade computation
MARKS 90 89 MARKS 80 79 MARKS 70 69 MARKS 60 59 MARKS 50 49 MARKS 35 34 MARKS Ex A B C D P F
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Grade Computation (contd.)
START
READ MARKS
MARKS 90?
NO
MARKS 80?
NO
MARKS 70?
NO
YES
OUTPUT Ex
YES
OUTPUT A
YES
OUTPUT B
STOP
STOP
STOP
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NO
MARKS 60?
MARKS 50?
NO
MARKS 35?
NO
YES
OUTPUT C
YES
OUTPUT D
YES
OUTPUT P OUTPUT F
STOP
STOP
STOP
STOP
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