Lesson 1: Computers and programs and input, oh my!

Outline:

  1. Introduction to Computer Science
    • What is Computer Science?
    • What makes a programming language?
    • Python and VS Code:
      • print() and basic operators
      • input(), functions, and variables
      • eval() versus int() or float()
  2. Exercises 1 + 2
  3. Go over syllabus, course website, etc.

Explore after class:

  1. An example program: chaos.py
    • Execute chaos.py in VS Code
    • Run with different starting values for x
  2. Exercises 3 + 4

Reading assignment (to be completed by the next class):

  • Zelle chapter 1 (pp. 1-21)