A Look at Hello World

Objectives

1. Understand some basic terms that apply to programming languages.
2. Understand resources available for learning about a programming language.

Notes

• These notes are from
  • The book, section 2.1
  • javapoint.com
• About information sources:
• I think the book is good for
  • Learning how to program in general.
  • Learning the terms associated with programming
  • Learning a specific language, but only what the author wants to share..
• But references
  • Provide a full specification of the language.
  • For today, I will be using javapoint.com, but that might change.
• You need to learn both.
• Some terms
  • We discuss two terms associated with languages
  • syntax or the rules that form the language
  • semantics or what the language elements mean.
• Syntax in programming languages is usually straight forward
  • And if you break the rules, the compiler will tell you.
  • These are called syntax errors
• As opposed to English, or any other human language, the semantics of a programming language are unambiguous.
  • There is only one single meaning for any expression in any situation.
• To program you need to understand the syntax and the semantics.
  • To program efficiently, you need to have these memorized.
  • That will come with practice.
  • In the mean time, just follow the example.
  • And ask questions if you do not understand some portion.
• Finally there is style.
  • This how you write.
  • Given the above definitions, you might not think there is much latitude, for style.
  • But there is.
  • I will explain style as we go along.
  • Again, you should copy this until you understand better.
• Think about how you learned to speak/write/use your native language
  • You copied those around you.
  • Someone corrected you ("don't use ain't")
  • Then you formalized it in class.
  • But you continue to learn and correct as you read and interact with others.