If you’re new to programming in any language, we highly recommend reviewing these key programming concepts before starting any of our tutorials.

Fundamentals

• Algorithm – A step-by-step set of instructions designed to carry out a task.
• Decomposition – Breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts.
• Abstraction – Removing unnecessary details to focus on essential information.
• Debugging – Finding and fixing errors in the code.

Writing Code

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE) – A software application for writing and testing code, often with built-in debugging tools.
  

  

• Comments – Text in the code that is ignored by the program, used to explain what the code does.
• Syntax – The rules that define the structure and format of a programming language.
• Error – A mistake in the code that causes incorrect results or crashes the program.

  

Variables and Data Types

• Variable – A named storage location that can hold a value, which may change during execution.
• Constant – A named storage location that holds a fixed value that cannot be changed.
• Data Type – Defines the type of data stored in a variable.

Common Data Types:

• Integer – Whole numbers (positive or negative) without decimals.
• Float – Numbers with decimal points (e.g., 3.14).
• Boolean – Represents true or false.
• Character – A single letter, number, or symbol.
• String – A sequence of characters (e.g., "Hello, World!").
• Null – Represents an empty or undefined value.

Control Flow

• Sequence – Executing instructions in a logical order.
• Selection (Conditional Statements) – Branching based on conditions (e.g., if-else statements).
• Iteration (Loops) – Repeating a section of code.
  • Definite Iteration – Loops a set number of times (e.g., for loop).
  • Indefinite Iteration – Loops until a condition is met (e.g., while loop).

Functions & Subroutines

• Subroutine – A reusable block of code that can be called multiple times.
  • Function – A subroutine that returns a value.
  • Procedure – A subroutine that does not return a value.
• Return – Exits a function and optionally sends a value back to the calling code.

Data Structures

• Array – A collection of elements, typically of the same data type.
• List – A dynamic array that can grow or shrink in size (in some languages).

Programming Paradigms

• Programming Paradigm – A fundamental approach to structuring and writing code, guiding principles and techniques.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – A paradigm based on objects and classes.

OOP Concepts:

• Class – A blueprint for creating objects.
• Object – An instance of a class.
• Inheritance – A class can inherit properties and methods from another class.
• Polymorphism – Methods can behave differently based on the object calling them.
• Encapsulation – Keeping data private and only accessible through public methods.

Additional Concepts

• Library – A collection of pre-written code used to perform specific tasks, reducing development time.