Chapter 1: Introduction to Programming

What is Programming?

Programming is the art of telling a computer what to do through a set of instructions. These instructions are written in a language that the computer can understand, known as a programming language. When you write a program, you’re essentially giving the computer a series of tasks to execute.

Example: Hello, World!
The "Hello, World!" program is a classic example of a simple program in many languages:

• Python

print("Hello, World!")

• JavaScript

console.log("Hello, World!");

• Java

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

• C

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!\n");
    return 0;
}

• C#

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
    }
}

• TypeScript

console.log("Hello, World!");

• Kotlin

fun main() {
    println("Hello, World!")
}

• PHP

<?php
echo "Hello, World!";
?>

• Go

package main

import "fmt"

func main() {
    fmt.Println("Hello, World!")
}

Why Learn Programming?
Programming is a foundational skill in today's digital world. Here's why you should consider learning it:

• Problem-Solving: It enhances your ability to break down problems logically and solve them efficiently.

• Career Opportunities: Programmers are in high demand across multiple industries, offering lucrative career prospects.

• Creativity: You can build anything from websites and apps to games and simulations.

• Understanding Technology: Programming knowledge deepens your understanding of how software and hardware work together.

• Automation: You can automate repetitive tasks, improving productivity.

Overview of Popular Programming Languages
There are numerous programming languages, each suited for different tasks. Here's a more detailed look:

• Python: Versatile and beginner-friendly, used in web development (Django, Flask), data science (Pandas, NumPy), and AI/ML (TensorFlow, PyTorch).

• JavaScript: Essential for web development, both frontend (React, Angular) and backend (Node.js).

• Java: Widely used in enterprise applications, Android development, and large-scale systems.

• C#: Popular in game development (Unity), desktop applications, and enterprise software.

• Ruby: Known for its simplicity, used in web development (Ruby on Rails).

• C++: High-performance language used in game development, systems programming, and applications requiring speed.

• PHP: Commonly used in web development, particularly for server-side scripting.