Introduction to Programming

Course details

In this course, students will learn the basics of computer programming through the use of Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 and either the Visual C# or Visual Basic programming languages.

Course Outline

1 - Introduction to Core Programming Concepts

• Computer Data Storage and Processing
• Application Types
• Application Life-Cycle
• Code Compilation
• Lab : Thinking Like a Computer

2 - Core Programming Language Concepts

• Syntax
• Data Types
• Variables and Constants
• Lab : Working with Data Types

3 - Program Flow

• Introduction to Structured Programming Concepts
• Introduction to Branching
• Using Functions
• Using Decision Structures
• Introducing Repetition
• Lab : Creating Functions, Decisions, and Looping

4 - Algorithms and Data Structures

• Understand How to Write Pseudo Code
• Algorithm Examples
• Introduction to Data Structures
• Lab : Working with Algorithms and Data Structures

5 - Error Handling and Debugging

• Introduction to Program Errors
• Introduction to Structured Error Handling
• Introduction to Debugging in Visual Studio
• Lab : Implementing Debugging and Error Handling

6 - Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

• Introduction to Complex Structures
• Introduction to Structs
• Introduction to Classes
• Introducing Encapsulation
• Lab : Implementing Complex Data Structures

7 - More Object-Oriented Programming

• Introduction to Inheritance
• Introduction to Polymorphism
• Introduction to the .NET Framework and the Base Class Library
• Lab : Implementing Inheritance
• Lab : Implementing Polymorphism

8 - Introduction to Application Security

• Authentication and Authorization
• Code Permissions on Computers
• Introducing Code Signing

9 - Core I/O Programming

• Using Console I/O
• Using File I/O
• Lab : Core I/O Programming

10 - Application Performance and Memory Management

• Value Types vs Reference Types
• Converting Types
• The Garbage Collector
• Lab : Using Value Types and Reference Types

Target Audience: This course is intended for anyone who is new to software development and wants, or needs, to gain an understanding of programming fundamentals and object-oriented programming concepts. They will typically be high school students, post-secondary school students, or career changers, with no prior programming experience. They might want to gain an understanding of the core programming fundamentals before moving on to more advanced courses such as 20483B: Programming in C#.