Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
Programming - is the process of taking an algorithm and encoding it into a notation, a programming
language, so that it can be executed by a computer. Although many programming languages and
many different types of computers exist, the important first step is the need to have the solution.
Without an algorithm there can be no program.
Algorithm - is a step by step method of solving a problem. It is commonly used for data processing,
calculation and other related computer and mathematical operations. An algorithm is also used to
manipulate data in various ways, such as inserting a new data item, searching for a particular item or
sorting an item. (particularly, in programs with databases)
Flowchart - is a diagram that depicts a process, system or computer algorithm. They are widely used
in multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and communicate often complex processes in
clear, easy-to-understand diagrams.
BASIC FLOWCHART SYMBOLS
Symbol Name Function
signifies the start and end point
Terminator
of a flowchart
use to prepare and initialize
Preparation
data
Data inputs and outputs data
Process processes data
Decision does decision making
use to connect one part of a
On-Page Connector flowchart to another part
within the same page
use to connect one part of a
Off-Page Connector flowchart to another part on a
different page
indicates the direction in a
Flow Lines
flowchart
EXAMPLE:
Problem:
START
Create a flowchart that reads, computes
and displays the sum of data A and B.
Important Reminder: Read
1 – Analyze the problem carefully.
A, B;
2 – Remember keywords such as read, input,
prints, display, compute, compare, identify, etc.
3 – Pay attention on capitalization and use of variables.
4 – Make sure the flow lines are attached to every
part of the flowchart. sum = A + B;
5 – Do not forget to put semicolon (;) and
open/close quotation marks (“”).
6 – Always refer on the problem and do not
overthink.
Display
7 – Double check your flowchart.
A, b;
Keywords:
read/input – data STOP
print/display – data
compute – process
compare/identify – decision
ARITHMETIC OPERATORS USED IN FLOWCHARTING
Addition (+) – sum
Subtraction (-) – difference
Multiplication (*) – product
Division (/) – quotient
Modulo (%) – remainder
PRACTICE:
Problem 1:
Construct a flowchart that will convert an inputted number in Fahrenheit to its equivalent measure in
Celsius. Use variables C for Celsius and F for Fahrenheit.
References:
Miller, B., & Ranum, D. (2014). 1.4. What Is Programming? Retrieved June 26, 2019, from
https://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/pythonds/Introduction/WhatIsProgramming.html
What is an Algorithm? - Definition from Techopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2019, from
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3739/algorithm
What is a Flowchart. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/what-is-a-flowchart-tutorial