What is Programming? • Why Do We Need It? • Computer Programs • Programming Languages • Why Learn C++?
1.1 What is Programming?
Programming means giving instructions to the computer so that it can perform tasks for us.
Just like you give instructions to a robot:
- "Turn left"
- "Pick up the cup"
- "Walk forward 5 steps"
In programming, we give instructions like:
cout << "Hello";
a = 10 + 5;The computer follows these instructions step by step.
1.2 Why Do We Need Programming?
We use programming to:
- Build games
- Make websites
- Control robots
- Analyze data
- Develop apps
- Run machines
- Create simulations
Programming helps us solve problems using computers.
1.3 What is a Computer Program?
A program is a list of instructions written in a programming language.
Example program:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Welcome to C++";
return 0;
}This simple program tells the computer:
- Start the program
- Print "Welcome to C++"
- End the program
1.4 What is a Programming Language?
A programming language is a special language used to write computer instructions.
Examples:
- C++
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- Swift
1.5 Why Learn C++ First?
C++ is a great first language because:
- It is fast
- Used in games and simulations
- Helps understand core programming concepts
- Teaches good logic
- Widely used in software companies
- Excellent for school and college studies
1.6 Real-World Uses of C++
C++ is used in:
- Game engines (Unreal Engine)
- Computer operating systems
- Robots
- Banking systems
- Scientific simulations
- High-performance apps
- Airlines and railways control systems
1.7 How a Program Works (Simple Diagram)
You → Write Code → Compiler → Machine Code → Computer Executes
Step-by-step:
- You write code in C++
- Compiler checks and converts into machine language
- Computer runs the machine code
1.8 Simple Example Program
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Hello, World!";
return 0;
}Output:
Hello, World!1.9 Explanation (Line by Line)
| Line | Explanation |
|---|---|
#include <iostream> | Tells computer we want to use input/output commands like cout. |
using namespace std; | Allows writing cout instead of std::cout. |
int main() | Starting point of the program. |
{ | Beginning of main function. |
cout << "Hello, World!"; | Prints text on screen. |
return 0; | Ends the program successfully. |
} | End of main function. |
1.10 Summary of Chapter 1
- Programming = giving instructions to computer
- A program = list of instructions
- C++ = powerful, fast, widely used language
- Computers only understand machine code
- We write programs in C++, compiler converts them
- Every C++ program starts from main()
1.11 Exercises (For Practice)
Q1. Define programming in simple words.
Q2. Name any three uses of programming.
Q3. What is a programming language?
Q4. What is the role of a compiler?
Q5. Write the output of this code:
cout << "C++ Programming";1.12 Answer Key
A1.
Programming means giving instructions to a computer.
A2.
Making games, building apps, analyzing data.
A3.
A programming language is a special language used to write computer instructions.
A4.
The compiler converts C++ code into machine code.
A5.
C++ Programming