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Don't Panic Guide to Programming

Book Information

Title: Don't Panic Guide to Programming
Authors: Graham Smyth and Chris Stephenson
ISBN: 0-921598-33-5
Publisher: Holt Software Associates Inc.
Binding: Saddlestitch
Pages: 53 pgs
Price: Bookstores & Schools: $7.00    Retail: $10.00
Ordering Information: For bookstores and schools, click here for ordering information.
For individuals click here for ordering information.
Program Examples: Available [Click here for information on obtaining program examples found in Holt Software publications.]
Solutions Manual: Available [Click here for information on obtaining Solutions Manuals for Holt Software publications.]

Book Description

Created as a workbook for the programming section of the Grade 9 Integrated Technologies section, the "Don't Panic" Guide to Programming is an accessible learning tool which introduces students to problem solving and computer programming. By reading the text and completing the exercises, students learn the various parts that make up a computer system, how computers are used to solve problems, what a problem solving model is, and how to input instructions into the computer to create real programs of their own. It also uses the Turing programming language from Holt Software. Turing is easy to learn but very powerful. It also contains many features for creating graphics that make it fun to use.

We believe that this workbook-based resource provides a unique solution for all teachers who need to address the new core computer outcomes.

The book uses the Turing Programming Language. The Ministry of Education of the province of Ontario has licensed Turing for use in all publicly funded high-schools. Contact your OSAPAC representative (www.osapac.org) to obtain a copy. Click here for more information on Turing.

Introduction to The Don't Panic Guide to Programming

This document is an introduction to problem solving and computer programming . It is intended to help you learn the basics.

By reading the text and completing the exercises, you will learn the various parts that make up a computer system, how computers are used to solve problems, what a problem solving model is, how to input instructions into the computer to create real programs of your own.

In order to communicate with a computer, you need to use a programming language. This book uses the Turing programming language from Holt Software. Turing is easy to learn but very powerful. It also contains many features for creating graphics that make it fun to use. This guide will also help you learn to use the Turing environment to enter and run your programs.

Have fun!

Symbols in this Document

Here are a few symbols that will help you understand how this document is organized and how you can find particular kinds of information.
[information symbol] This symbol means that the box to the right of it contains definitions, explanations for important technical terms or helpful hints.
[Panic Symbol] This icon indicates a possible error that you might make and describes how to get back on track.

Table of Contents of The Don't Panic Guide to Programming

  • Introduction to this Document 1
  • Symbols in this Document 1
  • Section 1 - What is a Computer 3
  • Hardware 3
  • Operating Systems 4
  • Software 4
  • Programming Environments 5
  • Section 2 - Using Computers to Solve Problems 7
  • What Do We Mean by Problem Solving 7
  • Writing Computer Programs to Solve Problems 8
  • Assignment 1 10
  • Section 3 - Getting Started 11
  • Good Programming Style 11
  • The Turing Programming Environment 12
  • Commands in Turing 14
  • Section 4 - Output 17
  • Put 17
  • Spacing 17
  • Arithmetic 19
  • Variables 21
  • Documenting 22
  • The Graphics Screen 24
  • Drawing Command 25
  • drawdot 25
  • drawline 26
  • drawbox 27
  • drawoval 28
  • drawfill 28
  • maxx 29
  • maxy 29
  • locatexy 29
  • drawmapleleaf 30
  • drawstar 30
  • Assignment 2 32
  • Section 5 - Input 33
  • Get 33
  • Assignment 3 38
  • Section 6 - Processing 39
  • Looping 39
  • Assignment 4 44
  • Decision Structure 45
  • Assignment 5 49
  • Section 7 - Putting It All Together 51
  • Input-Processing-Output Review 51
  • Suggested Final Projects 53
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