Notes (Right Column) 1. What is Computer Science? o The study of computers and computational systems. o Involves programming, algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving. 2. Hardware and Software o Hardware: Physical components of a computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, storage). o Software: Programs and applications that run on the hardware. o Operating Systems: Manage computer resources and provide a user interface (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux). 3. Programming Languages o High-level Languages: Closer to human language, easier to read and write (e.g., Python, Java, C++). o Low-level Languages: Closer to machine language, harder to read and write (e.g., assembly). o Compilers and Interpreters: Translate high-level code into machine-readable form. 4. Data Structures o Arrays: Ordered collection of elements of the same data type. o Linked Lists: Collection of nodes, each containing data and a reference to the next node. o Stacks: Last-in, first-out (LIFO) data structure. o Queues: First-in, first-out (FIFO) data structure. 5. Algorithms o Sorting Algorithms: Arrange elements in a specific order (e.g., bubble sort, merge sort). o Searching Algorithms: Find a specific element in a data structure (e.g., linear search, binary search). o Recursion: A problem-solving technique where a function calls itself to solve a smaller instance of the same problem.
Cues (Left Column)
• Define computer science and its main areas of study. • Distinguish between hardware and software components. • Explain the role of operating systems in computer systems. • Differentiate between high-level and low-level programming languages. • Describe the purpose and characteristics of various data structures. • Discuss the importance of algorithms in computer science. Summary (Footer) Today's class provided an introduction to the field of computer science, covering fundamental concepts such as hardware and software, programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. Understanding these core principles is essential for developing computational thinking skills and laying the groundwork for more advanced topics in computer science. The knowledge gained in this course will serve as a solid foundation for future studies and applications in the field. This set of notes covers the key aspects of an introductory computer science course, including the basics of hardware, software, programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. The format encourages active learning and helps students organize and retain the information effectively.