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Computer Science for Beginners

Lesson 1: Introduction to Computer Science

Lesson Date: 2024-06-23

Topics Covered

  1. PB&J

  2. History of Computer Science

  3. Algorithms

    • Definition: A series of steps or instructions to accomplish a task. Simple Wikipedia: Algorithm
    • Examples of real-life algorithms:
      • Maps with turn-by-turn driving directions.
      • Recipes for baking cookies.
        • What would happen if you followed the instructions, but out of order?

  4. Modern Computers

  5. Early Communication

  6. Counting and Number Systems

    • Arabic numbers, decimal system (base 10). Simple Wikipedia: Decimal
    • Humans have 10 fingers and toes, hence base 10.
    • Digits explained.
      • For example, the number 1492 can be broken down as follows:
        • (1 \times 10^3 = 1000)
        • (4 \times 10^2 = 400)
        • (9 \times 10^1 = 90)
        • (2 \times 10^0 = 2)
        • Adding these together, (1000 + 400 + 90 + 2 = 1492).

  7. Binary System

    • Binary digits (bits): Can be 0 or 1. Simple Wikipedia: Binary
    • With one hand, you can count up to 31 (32 values including 0).
    • Binary example:
      • The binary number 1101 can be broken down as follows:
        • (1 \times 2^3 = 8)
        • (1 \times 2^2 = 4)
        • (0 \times 2^1 = 0)
        • (1 \times 2^0 = 1)
        • Adding these together, (8 + 4 + 0 + 1 = 13).

  8. Powers of Two

    • Here are the powers of two from (2^1) to (2^{32}):
      • (2^1 = 2)
      • (2^2 = 4)
      • (2^3 = 8)
      • (2^4 = 16)
      • (2^5 = 32)
      • (2^6 = 64)
      • (2^7 = 128)
      • (2^8 = 256)
      • (2^9 = 512)
      • (2^{10} = 1024)
      • (2^{11} = 2048)
      • (2^{12} = 4096)
      • (2^{13} = 8192)
      • (2^{14} = 16384)
      • (2^{15} = 32768)
      • (2^{16} = 65536)
      • (2^{17} = 131072)
      • (2^{18} = 262144)
      • (2^{19} = 524288)
      • (2^{20} = 1048576)
      • (2^{21} = 2097152)
      • (2^{22} = 4194304)
      • (2^{23} = 8388608)
      • (2^{24} = 16777216)
      • (2^{25} = 33554432)
      • (2^{26} = 67108864)
      • (2^{27} = 134217728)
      • (2^{28} = 268435456)
      • (2^{29} = 536870912)
      • (2^{30} = 1073741824)
      • (2^{31} = 2147483648)
      • (2^{32} = 4294967296)

  9. Story of Chess

    • The inventor asked for 1 grain of rice, doubled each day for each square on a chessboard.

  10. Computer Architectures

  11. Early Gaming Systems

  12. Programming Languages

  13. Languages for This Course

    • We'll learn Python and JavaScript.
    • Starting with Python because it's easy.
    • Later, JavaScript because it is pervasive and used on the web.

  14. Introduction to Python

  15. HTML and CSS

  16. Data Sizes

    • 8 bits in a byte; half of a byte is a nibble.
    • Power prefixes and their values:
      • Kilo (K) = (10^3)
      • Mega (M) = (10^6)
      • Giga (G) = (10^9)
      • Tera (T) = (10^{12})
      • Peta (P) = (10^{15})
      • Exa (E) = (10^{18})

Homework

  1. Set Up PC or Mac

  2. Create a GitHub Account

    • Choose a professional-sounding username.
    • Avoid using a personal picture or details if you're a minor.
    • Share your GitHub profile with the course instructor.

  3. Practice

  4. Reading / Watching

  5. Writing Programs

    • Write a Python program that prints out the powers of 2 from 0 to 32.
      • Implement the program using a for loop.
      • Implement the program using a while loop.

  6. Figure out the ASCII Codes

    • Find the ASCII codes for each letter in your first and last name. Use the provided ASCII table link.

Resources

Communication and Questions

  • Submit any questions you have in our Slack workspace.
    • The invitation link for Slack is included in the email to the class.

Reminders

  • Use Slack primarily for communication, asking questions, and doing homework.
  • Don’t forget to share your GitHub profile with the course instructor.