Course: Developer Fundamentals: Programming

In computer programming, commands are a common method of interacting with a computer to perform specific operations. A computer's command line interface (CLI) tool is used to enter, accept, and forward commands to the computer's operating system (OS). The commands and CLI will vary depending on the OS used (Microsoft, Linux, macOS, etc.) Use this course to get started with some of the most common commands used in Windows and Linux systems. Learn the commands that generate the most return in terms of productivity, such as engaging with files, folders, and programs. In doing this, become comfortable with using Windows and Linux CLIs. By the end of the course, you'll be able to execute the most frequently used commands on a Windows or Linux system.

The fundamentals of computer programming are not only for novice programmers. Knowing how humans manipulate computer programs can be game-changing for many other roles, such as UI designers, support engineers, or system administrators. This course acts as an introduction to programming for all. Discover the structure of a simple program, identifying the role of each part. Examine variables, looking at their types and purpose in a program. Dive into the role of functions, discovering how they use variables to achieve a result. Moving along, explore standard file operations, the use of a main method, the difference between compilation and interpretation, and different types of programming languages. When you're done, you'll be able to give a theoretical explanation of the elements and methods involved in programming.

The first step in the process of dependable computer programming is to plan and design how that program will be structured and behave. This involves using pseudocode and other design tools before diving into writing the actual computer program. Use this course to become familiar with the design process behind writing a computer program. Learn how to use pseudocode to turn a computer into a series of logical steps. Explore program flow, decision making, and looping. Moving on, examine how algorithms and flowcharts are used in computer program design. By the end of the course, you'll be able to start developing a computer program using pseudocode and algorithms.

Sorting and searching involve the three programming concepts of sequence, selection, and repetition. At least one of these three concepts is present in every program ever written. There are special sorting and searching algorithms that you'll likely need to use when developing a computer program. Use this course to investigate the main algorithms used in program development. Recognize their efficacy and how they're used as problem-solving tools. Learn about various algorithm types. Moving along, examine two sorting and two searching algorithms in detail. By the end of the course, you'll be able to recognize how sorting and searching algorithms apply to computer program development.

If you're learning computer programming, you need to know what object-oriented programming (OOP) is. One of the most prolific and frequently used programming paradigms, OOP has many benefits, such as code reusability, maintenance, scalability, and collaboration. The pragmatic structure of OOP means you can build large and complex programs with ease and efficiency. Use this course to examine what comprises OOP, including its use of objects and its core features of inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism. Distinguish between OOP and another standard programming paradigm, procedural programming. Finally, explore the most popular OOP languages and begin writing programs using three of these. Upon completion, you'll recognize how to use object-oriented programming to build versatile computer programs.

Like any valuable and skilled process, there are best practices established in computer programming that, if used, will make your work more effective in every respect. Use this course to become familiar with programming best practices at all phases of development. Firstly, examine the rationale for using standards and best practices in the programming world. Then, delve into the "how and why" behind multiple types of best practices. Among others, explore documentation, programming style, and integrated development environment (IDE) usage. As you advance, practice exception handling, as most beginner programmers introduce errors in their programs. Lastly, take a look at code review as a vital tool in developing good programs. When you're done, you'll be able to level up as a programmer by using game-changing best practices.

In this lab, you will perform beginner programming tasks, such as working with Linux files and folders and Linux terminal commands before moving on to create your first Java program. You will then declare variables in Java followed by performing linear and binary searches and bubble and insertion sorts.

Final Exam: Programming Fundamentals will test your knowledge and application of the topics presented throughout the Programming Fundamentals track of the Skillsoft Aspire Developer Fundamentals Journey.