Computer programming or coding is a process of providing the computer a set of instructions that causes them to perform a definite task. These set of instructions are called programs or codes. Computer programmers or software developers write these programs to work out problems or execute a task. Programs follow grammar or a set of rules known as syntax.
Starting from a simple picture to designing the software for an entire website, computer programming offer tools to create a world of different things. Software developments include the implementation of both analytical and technical knowledge at the same time. Thus, it can be referred to as an amalgamation of science and art.
Coding is a creative way of instructing a computer to solve problems and conduct operations. A set of command or code is used to instruct the computer which is written by humans in the form of programs. Computer programs are used to manipulate texts and numbers. These codes help in storing the data in the disk that can be retrieved later and used to initiate different functions.
Most programming languages use data in the form of numerical and texts but certain exceptions like Java can be used to manipulate pictorial data. These data are termed as variables that can be defined as a particular location in memory space. Each of these variables can be used in a collection or individually.
Role of a Computer Programmer
Computer programmers are people with efficiency in coding and are required is almost all major employment sectors. They are valuable resources when it comes to automating systems and developing software to serve significant purposes in the real world. This includes patient record database for hospitals, mobile applications, online payment gateways, and so on.
Programmers are considered some of the most indispensable assets of the modern world. Fundamentally the job of a software developer is to construct and validate codes that will allow uninterrupted functioning of applications and computer software. Students willing to build a career around this field can view sources like https://www.computerscience.org/careers/computer-programmer/ to get a closer look at the diverse roles and responsibilities of programmers.
Knowledgeable developers are also capable of updating and expanding the codes of pre-existing programs and also operating systems. They can also solve errors in programs and resolve issues in codes in testing them.
Software developers are often trusted with monumental responsibilities. It is undoubtedly one of the most lucrative sectors of employment but a competitive one too. Only the best with thorough knowledge of multiple programming languages and shrewd applicative sense are offered promising opportunities in the industry.
Students who aspire to be professional programmers must bear the extent of the demanding nature of this profile. They must be willing towork diligently in developing their programming skills and must be driven enoughto achieve what they desire.
There is an ocean of different programming languages that have been developed over the years. Some of the major coding languages that have the maximum practical implicationsincluding C programming, HTML, JavaScript, etc are taught in academic institutions. These are sometimes quite challenging to grasp but can be understood with sufficient assistance from expert educators.
C programming and its various roles
C program is a procedural language that was developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1973. Initially developed to develop an operating system, C programming is now extensively used in several fields. It is mainly popular because of its plain style, a comprehensive collection of keywords, and low-level approach to memory.
Some of its key features include-
- C is a comprehensive programming language
- It supports dynamic memory allocation
- It offers pointers structures, array, functions, memory, etc
- C language offers numerous system-defined functions that promote faster development
- Portable or machine-independent
- C has a very short compilation and execution time
- It is extensible since it can rapidly adapt to new attributes
- C program allows code reusability of all the functions. This enables developers to use the feature of backtracing.
C programming can be defined as a popular general-purpose scripting language that forms the basis of all other programming languages. C language was built to develop software applications that can interact with hardware devices like drives and kernelsdirectly. It is commonly used to write comprehensive codes to execute important tasks.
Here is an account of the different roles that C programming plays in software development-
- System programming language–
C is a key system programming language which is used to develop system software. It can be manipulated to conduct low-level programming for hardware devices and operating systems.
- Middle-levelprogramming language–
C programming is a mid-level programming language creates a bridge between the high-level language and machine language or low-level language. It supports the features of both.C program uses pointer arithmetic and can be converted to assembly code and is machine-independent.
- Procedural language–
The notable characteristic of a procedural language is that it defines a series of instructions specifically for the program to solve problems. C programming performs as a procedural language by dividing a series of code into data structures and functions.
- Structured programming language–
Procedural programming has an important part known as structured programming. C language works as a structured program that divides the program into subsets or blocks that makes it easier for the operations to be interpreted and modified. Functions are used to segregate programs into blocks.
There are hundreds of programming languages that are used regularly by developers across the world to perform diverse operations. It is important to being with the relatively simpler ones like C language to correctly understand the basic concepts of programming. Almost all scripting languages share similar fundamentals and the difference lies in the technical jargons specific for each of them.
Learning any new programming language is overwhelming since software development includes several unique features that do not always comply with the natural stream of things. This is why it is of utmost importance that proper assistance and references are available to make the learning process simpler.
Students willing to understand C programming thoroughly can refer to useful websites to gain clarity on the topic.
Major components of the C program structure
All programming language follows a defined set of keywords and structure. Abiding by these ground rules or instructions minimize the decreases the chances of encountering errors during the compilation of programs. Some of the key components of the C program are stated below-
- Header files–
They are denoted by the extension .h. The header files contain the declarations of C functions and also macro definitions that can be shared amongst source files.
- Main method declaration–
The header file inclusion is followed by a declaration of the main function in C program.
- Declaration of variables–
In C program, the variables are to be declared before the execution of any function.
- Body–
Following the variable declaration the body of a program function is written. This contains the specific functions that the developer wants the program to perform which may include data manipulation, mathematical operating, sorting, and so on.
- The return statement–
C programs commonly end with a return statement. The return statement performs the task of returning a definite data from a function both of which is dependent on the function’s return type.
C programs can get quite complicated as students move to higher classes in school. They prepare sufficiently to cope with the varying difficulty of the programming questions by resorting to professional help whenever necessary. This will assist them in imbibing new concepts and also support them in answering tricky questions to improve their grades.
Ways to prepare smartly for C programming assessment
For students willing to get established in the information technology sector later in life, it is essential to bear in-depth knowledge of programming. It is, in fact, one of the few key skills interviewers look for in prospective candidates. Therefore,an early start by gaining detailed knowledge and extensive practice are the only things that will prove beneficial in time.
Understanding the basics of programming can be quite the struggle given that it is a completely new domain from all other subjects taught in school. But being accepting of new concepts can make the learning process manageable for students.
Here are some of the key steps students can implement in their preparation for C programming to get better results-
- Start with the basics–
The first mistake students make while studying any new subject is their tendency to leave out the fundamentals and dive right into the applications. Initially, they might be successful in solving textbook problems but find themselves incapable of answering slightly complicated questions in the long-run.
To score better grades, it is necessary to answer as many questions possible and that can only be achieved if a person has a complete understanding of the basic material of a subject matter.
- Learn by practicing–
Programming language is one such discipline that does not require hours of memorizing theories or blazing through the pages of the textbook. This attribute further highlights the importance of building the basics, to begin with.
A strong base is beneficial in solving numerous problems that will ultimately develop a fundamentally sound programmer out of a student.
- Write the codes by hand–
Although the very core of the subject is based in conducting operations in a computer screen, writing codes by hand has immense benefits. It does allow the programmer to run programs halfway through completing them to check any probable mistakes.
Even if this process is understandably time-consuming, rigorous practice by hand is by far the most effective way of imbibing programming skills.
- Practice reading–
Students must not entirely give up on the practice of reading informative sources like blogs and books. This will help them to stay a step ahead. Moreover, reading is a productive process that enhances the overall knowledge about the subject which only writing programs is incapable of offering.
- Get the help you need–
The IT industry is developing at an unimaginable pace. Thus staying on top of things is the best thing one can do to effectively take on the increase in competition. One can never stop learning to stay at par with the changing standards of the industry. Thus a strong mentor can always be a suitable option to continue the learning process.
For students who are newly introduced to programming and has a very faint idea about, looking for sufficient assistance must be a top priority. Studies show that students learn much faster under the guidance of a strong mentor than they do it alone.
Academic assistance is the need of the hour
Irrespective of whether a student is enrolled in a professional computer programming course or is a self-taught programmer, adequate assistance with this subject is a necessity. Learning computer programming consists of multiple steps of understanding the programstructure and use of keywords which is exclusive to a particular language. This requires expert assistance for better understanding.
Professional support with academics is the most practical way of building concepts. Although there are numerous resources available online, associating with an expert educator to develop the idea about vital subjects like these is much more beneficial. Getting a human perspective on challenging topics also prepares a student better for them.
Expert tutors are the ideal sources to get an in-depth analysis of tricky questions. They are also the best sources to learn unique ways to solve complicated programs easily and work on plummeting grades.
They often create a safe space where students can let go of their inhibitions and share their issues about programming and get suggestive solutions. This is highly significant since computer science papers mostly consist of conceptual problems and hardly any direct questions.
Author Bio-
Bina Ramamurthy is a computer science and engineering faculty with expertise on vital computer science topics, blockchain technology, big data, etc. Over the years she has been efficiently grooming students to perform excellently with knowledge on coding and its allied topics.With her years of teaching experience, she offers impeccable insights on the subject that helps students to develop a better perspective leading to improve scores in assessments.
