Computer programming is now an essential part of engineering. From a simple calculator to virtual reality, the wide variety of programming applications makes it worth learning.
Beginners usually encounter the issue of learning new languages used to command a computer. Along with the new language, come the sets of rules and exceptions. It takes some time to acquaint oneself with the structures and syntax that help in using the language efficiently.
Programming has to be introduced to students by experienced teachers only. Incomplete explanations, in the beginning, could easily develop a dislike for the subject in students. Institutes should try to encourage students to develop their programming skills.
The most important part of a computer program is its logic. Once the logic is understood, it has to be translated into machine-readable code using the rules and exceptions. Cracking the logic will take some time, but daily practice helps optimize the speed of coding, leading to faster translation. Since the amount of information in the code is huge, agility is highly desirable.
A relatively simply structured, and naturally flexible, versatile programming language is ‘C’, developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1978. It has sustained for over three decades, despite new and advanced coding languages coming after it, hence, it is valued as a first step towards learning to program. After learning C, students can take up other programming languages based on applicability.
The major reason students get fed up of programming early is the minor errors that creep into their programs. Although the logic may be right, programs may not compile due to a missing character, or an extra character in the wrong location, or even a blunder. The errors that get displayed as a result are too complex for beginners to understand. They have to be patient and learn from their mistakes.
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