Gain insights into basic computer anatomy, binary systems, and program lifecycles. Delve into logic building and core programming concepts with hands-on exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning.

This language-agnostic course is your guide to programming and acquiring problem-solving skills. You will start reviewing the anatomy of computers and the binary number system. You will then look at the lifecycle of a program before moving on to the core concepts of programming. Overall, the primary focus of this course is logic building within the context of computer science and programming.

Throughout each chapter, you will get hands-on experience with exercises and quizzes to solidify what you’ve learned. If you’re looking to build strong programming fundamentals then this course is the perfect place to start.

Introduction to Computers & Programming

As we have learned, a computer's CPU can only understand and execute machine code instructions. However, programmers seldom write machine code. Instead, they usually make use of high-level languages like C++ and Python to write code, which is then translated to machine code by the CPU. Hence, a program written in a high-level language undergoes various phases throughout its lifecycle. However, the translation steps vary for #key# compiled languages: Compiled languages are programming languages in which code (written by the programmer) is translated into machine code, and the corresponding machine code is saved in a separate file.  #key# (e.g., C++) #key# interpreted languages: Interpreted languages are programming languages in which code (written by the programmer) is gone over line by line and run without saving the corresponding machine code separately.  #key# (e.g., Python). Generally, compiled languages are faster to execute than interpreted languages.

# Phases of a program written in compiled languages
## Source code creation

A programmer writes code in a high-level language of their choice.

## Object file creation

The code that the programmer writes goes to a program called the **compiler**, which checks it for syntax errors. The compiler then creates a file known as the *object file* that contains the machine code instructions corresponding to the high-level language.

## Executable file creation

Complex programs are usually written in multiple files. A program called the **linker** takes in the object file and links it to the other relevant files to produce the executable file.

Let’s look at the phases a computer program undergoes from creation to execution.

Introduction

Getting to Know Computers

Problem Solving

Variables

Decision in Programs

Repetition in Programs

Conclusion

The Lifecycle of a Program