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Programming Foundations

This unit introduces how computer programs work and how logic is structured.

The ideas in this unit support: - AS92004 – Programming - all later work in game development (AS92005)

Programming is not about memorising code.
It is about thinking clearly and logically.

What Is a Computer Program?

What Is a Computer Program

A computer program is a set of instructions that tells a computer: - what to do - when to do it - how to respond to input

Computers do not "understand intent".
They follow instructions exactly as written.

Introduction to Programming and Computer Science - Full Course (freeCodeCamp.org)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOjov-2OZ0E

The Input–Process–Output Model

Input Process Output Model

Most programs can be described using three stages:

  • Input – data the program receives
  • Process – logic that works on the data
  • Output – the result produced

Figure 1 – Input–Process–Output model

flowchart LR
    A[Programming Foundations] --> B[Game Development]
    B --> C[Development Process]
    C --> D[Reflection & Analysis]

This model applies to: - calculators - games - websites - apps - simulations

Program Structure

Program Structure

Programs are written as a sequence of instructions.

Common structural elements include: - variables (to store data) - instructions (to perform actions) - decisions (to choose between paths) - repetition (to repeat actions)

Figure 2 – Basic program structure

flowchart LR
    Input --> Process --> Output

Good structure makes programs: - easier to understand - easier to test - easier to fix

Learn to Program with Python - Problem Solving Approach (Derek Banas)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwjAoZNE56Q

Why Structure Matters

Why Structure Matters

Poorly structured programs: - are hard to debug - behave unpredictably - are difficult to explain

Well-structured programs: - show clear thinking - make logic visible - are easier to verify in assessment

In assessment, clarity beats cleverness.

Key Expectations for This Unit

By the end of this unit, you should be able to: - explain how a program works - describe the logic used in your code - identify where decisions and repetition occur - test your program and explain fixes

These expectations are explicitly assessed in AS92004.

Comprehensive Java Programming Tutorial (Derek Banas)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIrMbAQSU34

Summary

Infographic

Looking Ahead

The ideas in this unit will be reused when you: - control player movement in a game - manage game states (start, play, end) - handle scoring and conditions - debug game behaviour

Programming foundations are not optional – they are reused all year.

End of Programming Foundations overview