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CS Notes

Uploaded by

mightymiller19
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Introduction to Computer Science - Class Notes

1. Introduction

• De nition: Computer Science is the study of computers, computational systems, and the
theory of algorithms.
• Applications: Software development, arti cial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity,
and more.
• History: From early computing devices like the abacus to modern supercomputers.

2. Basic Concepts

• Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem.


• Programming Language: A formal language used to give instructions to a computer.
Examples: Python, Java, C++.
• Data Structures: Ways of organizing and storing data for ef cient access and
modi cation. Examples: arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs.

3. Computer Hardware vs. Software

• Hardware: The physical components of a computer (CPU, memory, storage devices).


• Software: Programs and applications that run on a computer (operating systems,
applications, and utilities).

4. The CPU and Memory

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, which executes instructions
from programs.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used by the CPU to store data
for active processes.
• Cache Memory: Small, fast memory that stores frequently used data to improve
performance.

5. Programming Foundations

• Variables and Data Types: Used to store data in a program. Common types: Integer,
Float, String, Boolean.
• Control Structures:
◦ Conditionals: if, else, elif
◦ Loops: for, while
• Functions: A block of code designed to perform a particular task.

6. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Classes and Objects: Fundamental to OOP, where classes are templates for creating
objects (instances).
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• Classes and Objects: Fundamental to OOP, where classes are templates for creating
objects (instances).
• Encapsulation: Hiding the internal workings of an object and exposing only necessary
components.
• Inheritance: A mechanism where a new class is derived from an existing class.
• Polymorphism: The ability of different classes to be treated as instances of the same
class.

7. Databases

• Relational Databases: Store data in tables with relationships between them. Example:
SQL.
• NoSQL Databases: Used for unstructured data. Example: MongoDB.
• CRUD Operations: Create, Read, Update, Delete – basic operations for interacting with
databases.

8. Networking and the Internet

• IP Address: A unique identi er for devices on a network.


• HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols used to transfer data over the web.
• DNS (Domain Name System): Resolves human-readable domain names into IP
addresses.

9. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• Planning: De ne the project scope and requirements.


• Design: Architect the solution.
• Implementation: Write the code.
• Testing: Ensure the program functions as expected.
• Maintenance: Ongoing updates and support.

10. Cybersecurity

• Encryption: Protecting data by converting it into unreadable format.


• Malware: Malicious software like viruses, worms, and ransomware.
• Authentication: Verifying the identity of a user or system.

11. Key Computer Science Figures

• Alan Turing: Father of theoretical computer science.


• Grace Hopper: Pioneer in computer programming and developer of the rst compiler.
• John von Neumann: Contributed to the architecture of modern computers.

12. Modern Trends in Computer Science

• Arti cial Intelligence (AI): Machines simulating human intelligence.


• Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI where machines learn from data.
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• Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI where machines learn from data.
• Quantum Computing: A new paradigm of computing based on quantum mechanics.

13. Glossary of Key Terms

• Bit: The smallest unit of data in computing.


• Byte: A group of 8 bits.
• Cloud Computing: Using remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and
process data.
• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols for building software
applications.

14. Further Reading

• Books:
◦ Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein
◦ Clean Code by Robert C. Martin
• Websites:
◦ Khan Academy
◦ Coursera

Conclusion

These notes offer a broad overview of the key concepts in the eld of Computer Science. Further
exploration of each topic can deepen your understanding and provide the foundation for more
advanced study in specialized elds.
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