Problem Solving and Programming Concepts

Designed for readers with little or no computer experience, this book provides a step-by-step progression —with detailed explanations and many illustrations —from the basics of mathematical functions and operators to the design and use of such techniques as code, indicators, control-breaks, arrays, pointers, file updates, report handling, data structures, and object-oriented programming. The tools of problem solving —including problem analysis charts, interactivity (structure) charts, IPO charts, coupling diagrams, algorithms, and flowcharts —are demonstrated and explained throughout. For introductory level problem solving for languages, problem solving for applications, or any language course found where problem solving is a part of the course work.

Suitable for use in courses such as Introduction to Programming, Problem Solving for Programmers, Problem Solving for Applications, or any computer language course, the book is divided into six parts, with the topics organized as follows:

• UNIT 1: Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming
  Basic concepts of problem solving, an introduction to how problems are solved on computers, and steps in analyzing a problem and designing an appropriate solution
• UNIT 2: Structuring Programs for Languages and Applications
  Examination of how and when the various types of logic structures are appropriately used
• UNIT 3: Data Structures
  The use of various data structures such as arrays, stacks, linked lists, and binary trees to access and process data; sort methods and search methods are also included
• UNIT 4: Object Oriented Programming Elements of object oriented programming and scripting
• UNIT 5: File Processing
  File concepts, sequential file processing, and random access file processing
• UNIT 6: Problem Solving for Application Software
  Word processing, desktop publishing, graphics, spreadsheets, database management systems, and document processing