Programming Basics

Programming Basics

1. Data Types

   • Programming Languages store data as different types. -Integer -Float -Boolean -Character -String
     • -Integer = 2 Bytes or 4 Bytes -Float = 4 Bytes or 8 Bytes -Boolean = 1 Bit or 1 Byte -Character = 1 Byte or 8 Bits -String = 1 Byte for every Character
       • Using the correct Data Types makes code more Memory Efficient, Robust and Predictable.
         • Programming Languages can be Weakly Typed or Strongly Typed. Weakly Typed Languages will try to Convert Data Types to Avoid Errors, however this can lead to Unpredictable Results. Strongly Typed Languages won't try to Convert Data Types and so will produce More Errors but more Predictable Results.

2. Operators

   • Operators are Special Characters that perform certain functions.
     • The Arithmetic Operators take two values and perform a Mathematic Function on them.
       • The Exponentiation Operator raises the next number to a Power. The Quotient Operator returns the whole number part of a Division. The Modulus Operator gives the Remainder.
         • ^ or **
         • DIV
         • MOD or %
         • The Assignment Operator is used to assign values to Constants or Variables.
       • Computers follow the rule of BIDMAS.
         • -Brackets -Indices -Division -Multiplication -Addition -Subtraction
     • The Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division Operators do what you would expect.
       • +, -, *, /