Introduction: The Purpose Of This Project Component ✓ Solved
Introduction the Purpose Of This Project Component Is To Provide A Firs
The purpose of this project component is to provide a first experience in the actual writing of computer programs. Using a relatively simple introductory scripting language (Python), you will create program code in an editor (Notepad), save it to your disk, and run it from the command line prompt. You will gain experience in planning, writing, debugging, documenting, and running simple programs. Learning Python serves as a convenient stepping-stone to more complex object-oriented languages, such as Java.
In this project, you will use online resources, including downloadable Python tools and tutorials. Before writing programs, it is useful to plan the programming steps and actions by writing an algorithm. An algorithm is a set of plain English language commands or steps, each of which is then replaced by the appropriate command line for the programming language used. This technique becomes less useful when using complex object-oriented languages such as Java, but may be helpful in the early stages of learning to design programs.
You will write algorithms for your first two programming exercises in this project. The project will be graded for completeness and correct functioning of programs. Download and install Python version 2.2 or higher by following the instructions at the Python download site. The downloaded file will be called Python-2_2.exe. After downloading, run this file to complete the installation. You can view the installed components from your "Start" list.
Writing algorithms involves outlining the series of steps your program will follow, including any branches and loops. A branch occurs when a program may go in two or more different directions, depending on a condition or user input. A loop repeats certain steps until a condition is met. For example, a simple algorithm might display a program name, show options for addition or multiplication, request user choices, and then perform calculations or display messages accordingly.
Actions in creating and running Python programs are straightforward: input the code using Notepad, save it as a *.py file, and run it through the command prompt with the Python interpreter. For example, navigate to your Python folder using command line commands like "cd\" and "cd python22", then execute your program by typing "python filename.py".
To learn Python, go through "A Beginner’s Python Tutorial" and work through the first seven lessons. Note that different Python versions have different methods for running scripts. In earlier versions, use the "Edit" menu, while later versions use "Run" menu or F5. All your programs should begin with a display of your name, student ID, and program details. Save your programs as prog1.py, prog2.py, etc., and ensure they are tested and debugged.
Your programs will include various functionalities such as mathematical operations, input handling, loops, conditions, and functions, as exemplified in sample programs and assignments described in the tutorial. Proper commenting within the code is required for the first two programs.
When submitting, archive all four Python files (prog1.py, prog2.py, prog3.py, and prog4.py) using WinZip or similar tools, ready for evaluation.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The initial step in mastering programming is understanding the fundamental process of writing, testing, and executing code in a chosen language. Python, being an accessible scripting language, provides an ideal platform for beginners to develop foundational programming skills. This introductory project aims to familiarize students with such essential activities as writing algorithms, coding in Python, debugging, and executing programs through command-line interfaces.
To set the context, students begin by downloading and installing Python version 2.2 or above. This process is straightforward, involving downloading an executable file and following installation prompts. Once installed, students should verify their setup by exploring the components listed in their system's start menu, ensuring Python operates correctly.
The core methodological approach emphasized in this project is the development of algorithms—step-by-step, plain English descriptions of the program's logic. These algorithms serve as blueprints for coding, especially valuable when designing control structures such as conditionals and loops, which are central to programming logic. For example, algorithms for addition and multiplication involve menu displays, user input, and branching logic to execute operations based on user's choices.
In translating algorithms into Python, key actions include writing code in Notepad, saving files with a *.py extension in the Python directory, and executing these scripts via command-line prompts. Navigating to the correct directory using commands like "cd" ensures the environment is set up before running scripts with the Python interpreter commands such as "python filename.py".
Furthermore, with the help of tutorials and online resources, students can learn the nuances of Python's syntax and operational features. For example, understanding how to run scripts in different Python versions, managing input/output, and inserting comments for clarity and documentation are crucial skills covered in this introductory phase.
The significance of commenting code is emphasized, especially in initial programs, to aid understanding and maintenance. Sample programs demonstrate core functionalities such as performing basic arithmetic operations, concatenating strings, and controlling program flow with conditions and loops.
Finally, students are guided on how to compile and submit their projects. This involves compressing their Python files into a single archive, facilitating ease of assessment and ensuring all necessary components are included. This process underscores best practices in project management and documentation, vital for real-world programming endeavors.
In sum, this foundational exercise in Python programming equips students with the essential skills of code development, execution, and documentation, forming a stepping stone toward mastering more complex programming paradigms and languages in the future.
References
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- Lutz, M. (2013). Learning Python (5th ed.). O'Reilly Media.
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- McKinney, W. (2018). Python for Data Analysis. O'Reilly Media.
- Slaughter, J. (2017). Beginning Programming with Python. Pearson.
- Swaroop, C. H. (2009). A Byte of Python. Python Software Foundation.
- Roesch, S. (2010). Introduction to Computational Programming Using Python. MIT Press.
- Van Rossum, G., & Drake, F. L. (2009). Python Tutorial. Python.org.
- Chun, W. (2011). Core Python Programming. Prentice Hall.
- O'Neil, K., & Schutt, R. (2014). Doing Data Science. O'Reilly Media.