Arrays, functions, and subroutines... Oh, my!

If you've ever wanted to learn how to write computer programs, but were a little intimidated by the whole process, this is the course for you. This interactive course will take you step-by-step from writing a simple one-line program to the end of the course where you will be capable of writing a program hundreds of lines long. The course utilizes easy-to-use programming software called Just BASIC. You are not just told how to program, you will be analyzing program samples and writing your own programs as you learn.

Every new concept is first introduced in the PDF study guide, then further explained and demonstrated in a video tutorial. You are given the code for the programs covered in the study guide so you can experiment. Programming assignments are given at the end of each section allowing you to apply the concepts you have just learned. Writing your own programs is the best way to learn programming!

Maybe you've heard that BASIC is not a good programming language? BASIC, as with any computer language, can be used improperly, however it is still a widely popular language. Microsoft offers a very popular version called Visual BASIC. In this course you'll be using structured programming techniques. The emphasis is not so much on learning BASIC as it is on learning how to think like a programmer and master the programming structures and concepts common to all modern programming languages - variables, variable types and scope, arrays, conditional statements, loops, functions, and more.

Just BASIC was chosen specifically for its ease of use, allowing beginning programmers to focus on learning how to program, rather than learning a complicated piece of software. Most programmers today find themselves working with a variety of languages, but the central concepts are the same. Once you learn one language well, it's not difficult to learn additional languages.

Sample Video Lesson

This is an excerpt from Video 9, the second video covering For-Next loops. Parts of the video were cut out to shorten it for web viewing, but it will give you an idea of the video content. Generally a program or programming concept is explained in detail. The program is run to view results. Any problem areas are covered, as in this example the possibility of the user entering 0 for the number of scores, which would result in an attempt to divide by zero and the program crashing.

The Introduction to Programming course includes:

• 100 page pdf study guide (permission to print for purchaser's use)
• 22 video tutorials
• Just BASIC, free software by Carl Gundel, justbasic.com
• Sample program code
• Support credits available at additional charge (Optional - for evaluating program assignments)
• Email support available, 2 support credits per email question
• The course is provided via downloadable files and runs totally from your computer
  

Pricing
There are several options available. You can choose to purchase just the course itself. This is a good option if you have access to someone familiar with programming that can help you with questions and checking the programs you write. If you do not have access to a programmer, I highly recommend using the Support Credits to have your program code checked. It's important that your programs not only produce correct results, but also that you develop efficient coding techniques.

Email questions are 2 credits each. You are limited to 1 specific question per email.

Checks of practice problems with evaluation/feedback emailed to you:

• Section 1 Program Assignments: 2 credits
• Section 2 Program Assignments: 2 credits
• Section 3 Program Assignments: 2 credits
• Section 4 Program Assignments: 3 credits
• Section 5 Program Assignments: 3 credits
• Section 6 Program Assignments: 4 credits
• Section 8 Program Assignments: 4 credits

* There are no refunds on support credits, however any unused credits may be applied to future courses.

	$60 Introduction to Programming Course (pdf, videos, sample programs, no support credits included)
	$5 Single Support Credit (you may purchase these in multiples as needed)

Course Outline:

• Introduction
• Variables, Print, Input, Math Operations, String Operations
• Conditional Statements - If Then Else, Select Case, Upper function
• Loops – For Next, Mid, Len, Lower functions, The Debugger
• Loops – While Wend, Mod, Random Numbers, Rnd, Int functions
• Arrays, Instr, Val functions
• Subroutines and Functions
• Variable scope, Additional built-in functions and commands
• Planning and Developing a Larger Program
• Final Project
• Appendix A - Reserved Words
• Appendix B - Logical Operators and Operator Precedence
• Appendix C – Tutorial Videos
• Appendix D – Practice Problems
• Appendix E - Sample Programs

Age requirement: A bright, motivated student from about the age of twelve or thirteen and up could handle the course - no upper limit! Some knowledge of algebraic concepts would be helpful. The course covers roughly the same content that would be presented in a college level introductory programming course, however it is presented in a more gradual manner and more thoroughly. You can move through it at your own pace, working as quickly or slowly as desired.

Computer requirements:
Windows PC with XP, Vista, or Windows 7
Flash Player 10 or higher to play the videos (usually already installed with your web browser)
PDF viewer (again usually comes installed with your computer)

About the author:
I have a degree in Computer Science, worked as a programmer for years, primarily as a database programmer, and still write programs, although my main job now is web design. I also taught computer programming courses for three years as adjunct faculty at Columbus State Community College.

What the course does not cover:
I feel it is very important to get the fundamentals of programming down first. That is what this course covers. The programs are entirely text-based, no graphics, no Windows interface programming. That will come in future courses. It's like learning addition and subtraction before tackling algebra and calculus. You will be a much stronger programmer and have fewer difficulties later if you master the basics first.

List of video tutorials
Video 1 – JustBasic Installation
Video 2 - JustBasic Interface and First Program
Video 3 - PRINT & Variable Types
Video 4 - Input Command
Video 5 - Math Operations
Video 6 - Conditional Statements IF THEN ELSE
Video 7 - Conditional Statements SELECT CASE
Video 8 - FOR NEXT LOOPS
Video 9 - Test Scores Example
Video 10 - The Debugger
Video 11 - WHILE vs. FOR Loops
Video 12 - Random Numbers
Video 13 - Number Guessing Game
Video 14 - WHILE Loop First Letter Occurrence
Video 15 - MOD Operator
Video 16 - Introduction to Arrays
Video 17 - Arrays Test Scores Example
Video 18 - User-defined Functions
Video 19 - Variable Scope
Video 20 - Subroutine - Tax and Shipping Example
Video 21a, 21b - The Hangman program
Video 22 - Quiz Program Functionality

How to Install Course Files:
The course consists of 140MB of files, downloaded as 4 zip files. This video explains how to set everything up once you have downloaded the files.

Introductory Programming Course Setup Video


* Just BASIC is copyright 1992-2011 Shoptalk Systems. All Rights Reserved