Course

Computer Sc - Introduction To Problem Solving & Programming

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of computing, programming, and effective problem-solving techniques. It is designed for those with no prior experience as well as individuals with basic programming skills.

Course Objectives:

  • Introduce foundational concepts of computing.
  • Develop essential programming skills.
  • Enhance problem-solving capabilities for engineering studies.

Prerequisites: No prior knowledge is required; the course is suitable for students with school-level programming experience.

Course Contents Include:

  1. Design of algorithms
  2. Iterative versus recursive programming styles
  3. Functional programming techniques
  4. Correctness and efficiency in programming
  5. Time and space complexity analysis
  6. Imperative programming style
  7. Assertions and loop invariants
  8. Advanced features: procedures, functions, and list handling
  9. File handling
  10. Introduction to objects and classes
Course Lectures
  • This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of problem-solving and programming. Students will learn about:

    • The importance of problem-solving in computing
    • Basic programming concepts and constructs
    • How to create algorithms for various problems

    By the end of this module, students should have a solid understanding of the foundations necessary for further studies in programming.

  • This module explores various problem-solving techniques that are essential for programming. Students will delve into:

    • Identifying problems effectively
    • Using algorithms to devise solutions
    • Implementing solutions through programming

    Hands-on practice will reinforce the concepts learned, preparing students for more complex programming challenges.

  • This module introduces iterative and recursive programming styles. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the difference between iteration and recursion
    • When to use each approach effectively
    • Examples of problems solved using both techniques

    Students will engage in coding exercises to solidify their understanding of both styles.

  • This module covers the concepts of correctness and efficiency in programming. Highlights include:

    • Understanding program correctness
    • Analyzing algorithm efficiency
    • Time and space complexity measures

    Students will learn to evaluate their programs, ensuring they are both correct and efficient.

  • This module introduces imperative programming, covering essential concepts such as:

    • Basic syntax and structure of imperative languages
    • Control structures: loops and conditionals
    • Writing and executing simple programs

    Hands-on coding sessions will help students gain practical experience in programming.

  • This module delves into advanced features of imperative languages, focusing on:

    • Procedures and functions
    • List handling using references
    • File handling techniques

    Students will develop skills to manage data efficiently and implement more complex programs.

  • This module focuses on object-oriented programming concepts and their application. Students will learn about:

    • Defining and using classes and objects
    • Understanding encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
    • Creating and manipulating objects in code

    Practical assignments will help reinforce these concepts through real-world applications.

  • This module provides an overview of the fundamental concepts of problem-solving and programming. Students will explore:

    • The definition of computing and its significance in various fields.
    • Basic problem-solving techniques including decomposition and pattern recognition.
    • A brief introduction to programming languages and their applications.

    By the end of this module, students will have a foundational understanding of how computing can be applied to solve real-world problems.

  • This module delves into the design of algorithms, emphasizing both iterative and recursive approaches. Students will learn to:

    • Understand the importance of algorithms in programming.
    • Differentiate between iterative and recursive techniques.
    • Implement algorithms using pseudocode and programming languages.

    Through practical exercises, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and learn to apply these strategies to various programming challenges.

  • In this module, students will focus on solving problems using a functional programming style. Key topics include:

    • The principles of functional programming and its advantages.
    • Higher-order functions and first-class functions.
    • Common functional programming languages and their unique features.

    By engaging with practical examples, students will develop the ability to apply functional programming concepts to real-world situations.

  • This module addresses correctness and efficiency issues in programming. Students will cover:

    • Methods for verifying program correctness.
    • Common efficiency issues and their impact on performance.
    • Strategies for optimizing code.

    Through case studies and coding exercises, students will learn to write reliable and efficient programs.

  • This module introduces students to time and space measures in programming, covering key concepts such as:

    • Big O notation and its significance in analyzing algorithms.
    • Memory management and its role in program efficiency.
    • Techniques for measuring and improving time and space complexity.

    Students will apply these concepts through hands-on activities, enhancing their understanding of resource management within software development.

  • This module covers imperative programming style, emphasizing control structures and data handling. Students will learn to:

    • Utilize control flow statements such as loops and conditionals.
    • Understand variable scope and lifetime.
    • Implement data structures and manipulate data effectively.

    Through practical assignments, students will gain proficiency in writing imperative code and handling complex data scenarios.

  • This module introduces advanced features of programming, focusing on:

    • Procedures and functions and their roles in modular programming.
    • List handling using references and the implications for memory usage.
    • File handling techniques for data input and output.

    Students will engage in hands-on projects that require them to implement these advanced features in practical programming tasks.

  • This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of problem-solving and programming. Emphasis will be placed on:

    • The importance of algorithm design in computing.
    • Understanding the difference between iterative and recursive approaches.
    • Applying functional programming styles for efficient problem-solving.

    Students will engage in practical exercises to enhance their programming skills, focusing on both imperative and functional styles. Through hands-on projects, they will learn about:

    • Assertions and loop invariants.
    • File handling techniques.
    • Object-oriented programming concepts.

    The module aims to build a strong foundation for further studies in computer science and engineering.

  • This module delves deeper into the principles of designing algorithms. Students will learn about:

    • Step-by-step algorithm development.
    • Common algorithmic patterns and their applications.

    Participants will engage in exercises that allow them to practice implementing algorithms in a programming language of their choice, focusing on:

    • Efficiency and optimization techniques.
    • Analyzing algorithm complexity.

    By the end of this module, students will be able to develop efficient algorithms to solve a variety of problems.

  • This module introduces students to recursive programming. Key topics include:

    • The concept of recursion and its applications.
    • Comparing recursive and iterative solutions.

    Students will work on practical examples to understand:

    • Recursive function implementation.
    • Base cases and recursive cases.

    Through hands-on exercises, learners will develop skills to identify when to use recursion effectively and how to debug recursive functions.

  • This module focuses on the functional programming paradigm, emphasizing:

    • Pure functions and side effects.
    • Higher-order functions and their usage.

    Students will engage in activities that promote:

    • Understanding immutability and its importance.
    • Applying functional techniques to solve problems.

    By the end of this module, learners will be able to implement solutions using a functional programming approach, enhancing their adaptability in various programming environments.

  • This module addresses correctness issues in programming, covering:

    • Methods for verifying program correctness.
    • Common pitfalls and bugs in programming.

    Students will learn about:

    • Testing techniques and strategies.
    • Debugging tools and best practices.

    Through practical exercises, they will apply these concepts to ensure their programs are reliable and error-free.

  • This module explores efficiency issues in programming by examining:

    • The importance of time and space complexity.
    • Profiling and optimizing code.

    Students will participate in exercises that require them to:

    • Analyze their code for performance bottlenecks.
    • Implement optimizations to improve efficiency.

    By the end of this module, learners will be equipped with tools to write efficient code and understand how their algorithms perform.

  • This final module provides an overview of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts, including:

    • Understanding classes and objects.
    • Encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

    Students will engage in projects that allow them to:

    • Create their own classes and objects.
    • Implement inheritance and polymorphism in their code.

    By the conclusion of this module, learners will have a solid grasp of OOP principles, preparing them for advanced programming topics.

  • This module focuses on the fundamental concepts of problem-solving and programming. Students will learn:

    • The importance of algorithms in programming.
    • How to differentiate between iterative and recursive styles.
    • Functional programming principles for effective problem-solving.
    • How to verify the correctness of algorithms and programs.
    • Efficiency considerations including time and space complexity.

    By the end of this module, students will have a solid grounding in basic programming concepts, setting a strong foundation for further study in computing.

  • This module delves deeper into programming concepts, emphasizing the imperative style of programming. Key topics include:

    • Understanding assertions and loop invariants.
    • Utilizing procedures and functions to enhance code reusability.
    • Handling lists and references effectively in programming.
    • File handling techniques for data management.
    • Introduction to objects and classes for object-oriented programming.

    Students will engage in hands-on programming tasks that solidify their understanding of these critical programming concepts.

  • This module is designed to reinforce and apply the concepts learned in previous modules through practical exercises and projects. Students will:

    • Work on algorithm design and implementation challenges.
    • Practice debugging techniques to identify and fix errors.
    • Engage in collaborative programming tasks to enhance teamwork skills.
    • Explore advanced features in an imperative programming language.
    • Present their projects to demonstrate understanding and application of programming concepts.

    By completing this module, students will gain confidence in their programming abilities and readiness for more advanced topics.