Course 2667: Introduction to Programming
By Lisa Harris MCT, MCSE, CISSP
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From the development of the first punch-card reader to machines that can now almost emulate human reasoning, computer programming languages have had a profound influence on how the world views and accesses information. The first computing languages were limited to one purpose; today's languages can be used for almost any purpose.
For a computer to perform any task, it must have detailed instructions to follow, which are written by computer programmers. For many of us without programming backgrounds, languages such as Java, C, C++, and Microsoft Visual Basic can be intimidating.
Course 2667: Introduction to Programming is a great starting place for anyone who is interested in programming or developing software applications. This three-day, instructor-led course was designed for individuals with little or no programming experience.
In this course, students experience how easy it is to create dynamic Web pages and applications with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. Students build on a programming concept or skill through a series of learning modules and are soon writing simple Microsoft Windows and Web applications. The content and the hands-on labs are written so that students can easily grasp the concepts and objectives of each module.
During this course, students will:
| • | Gain a better understanding of the basic concepts and terminology of computer programming and software development. |
| • | Learn how to design and write simple computer programs and scripts. |
| • | Use best practices for solving business problems, using design, pseudocode, and then actual working code. |
| • | Implement conditional statements, looping constructs, and procedures. |
| • | Build simple applications for Windows and the Web. |
| • | Gain familiarity with the functionality and features of Visual Studio .NET. |
This course was designed for:
| • | Individuals who are getting started in computer programming or software development. |
| • | Managers and technical salespeople who want to learn programming concepts so as to be better able to communicate with software developers. |
| • | Web designers who want to understand how programs and scripts can make Web sites more dynamic. |
Introducing computer programming and scripting
In Module 1, students are provided a solid foundation of programming concepts and terms. This foundation will help them grasp more advanced topics and concepts in subsequent modules. In this module, students learn how computers execute programs and the different types of computer programs that software developers build. Students are provided an overview of many different programming languages, techniques, and technologies used by developers in the software development process.
After learning the fundamentals of computer programming, Module 2 introduces the concept of scripting. This module is particularly exciting because students see how easy it is to create a Web script, macro, and Windows script. In the lab, students create and design a simple web page in Notepad and then view it in Internet Explorer.
Writing more advanced programs and building graphical applications
In Modules 3 through 6, students start to dive deeper into how computer programs are written and executed. Module 3 explains the fundamental concepts of variables and data types. With an understanding of how variables are stored and manipulated, students move to Module 4 where they learn about programming logic. Students are challenged in this module by writing and implementing conditional expressions and looping statements.
In Module 4, students are given a real-world business problem: They must identify a solution before creating the computer program that will solve the business need. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the lab in Module 4 in which students have to design a computer program that will validate if a user should have access to the computer. First the students identify the input and output variables of the problem and the process required to solve it. They then depict their solution by drawing a flowchart that represents the logic of the program. After completing this flowchart, they use the PseudoCompiler application to compile their code.
In Module 5 students learn what procedures and functions are and how they are used. This module crystallizes the concepts and techniques covered in Modules 3 and 4. In the Module 5 lab, students work with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET to apply what they previously learned about variables and programming logic to functions and procedures.
In Module 6, students create a Windows-based leave-of-absence application form. This application uses several common controls such as drop-down lists, text boxes, and buttons. This module starts by defining a user interface and identifying some of the best practices to create a user interface design.
Understanding databases and the software development lifecycle
Modules 7 through 9 provide students an overview of data storage and management, programming approaches, and the software development lifecycle. Module 7 introduces the concept of data storage using databases. This module provides fundamental explanations of database terms and relationships and explains how Extensible Markup Language (XML) is used to describe and structure data.
The concept of databases is further explored in Module 8. Here, students are given an overview of the differences between procedural programming and object-oriented programming (OOP). Terms such as abstraction, inheritance, classes, and instances are defined to give students a good introduction to more advanced programming concepts.
Module 9 reinforces the concepts and terms covered in Modules 7 and 8 by stepping through the software development process. The four software development phases—Envisioning, Planning, Developing and Stabilizing—are explained effectively through real-world examples and analogies. Students learn about the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and how it is used to simplify software design.
Figure 1: Flow chart of the program logic that will validate a user name and password
//pseudocode to test username and password and display //appropriate message. begin cUserName cSystemUser cPassword cSystemPassword if cUserName = cSystemUser begin if cPassword = cSystemPassword begin display “Authentication successful” else display “Incorrect password” end else display “Not authorized to use system” end end
Figure 2: This code tests user name and password to discover if they are valid
Next steps
Module 10 begins by reviewing key concepts that were presented in the course. The lab in Module 10 challenges students with a real-world business scenario in which they use the concepts and technologies learned throughout the course to create a Web application. Students then explore what options or steps they may wish to pursue after completing this course. Advanced programming topics such as Microsoft ASP.NET Web application development, XML Web services, and data access using Microsoft ADO.NET are discussed and demonstrated.
Conclusion
For those starting a career in programming or for those who have a desire to learn more about computer programming and Web and software application development, Course 2667 is a good beginning point. As students progress through the modules and complete the hands-on labs, they gain both knowledge and confidence in their ability to understand and write simple computer programs and scripts. This provides the foundation to progress to other related courses.
Additional recommended courses
It is recommended that students take Course 2667: Introduction to Programming before attending any of the following courses:
| • | Course 1301: Mastering Microsoft Office 2000 Solution Development |
| • | Course 1912: Introduction to Web Development Technologies |
| • | Course 2433: Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition and Microsoft Scripting Host Essentials |
| • | Course 2559: Introduction to Visual Basic .NET programming with Microsoft .NET |
| • | Course 2609: Introduction to C# Programming with Microsoft .NET |
Course 2667 is offered through Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions programs). For more information regarding training and certification or where to find a local Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program, visit the Microsoft Learning training page.
Additional resources
| • | Review the course syllabus. |
| • | Learn more about Visual Studio .NET. |
| • | Check out MSDN and MSDN Magazine to find technical resources, sample codes, and scripts. |
| • | Find a Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program to locate a class nearest you. |