In this chapter, we introduce computers and computer programming. We begin with a brief history of computers and a description of the major components of a computer, including memory, central processor, input devices, and output devices. We also discuss how information is represented in a computer and how it is manipulated.
You are about to begin the study of programming using one of the richest and most interesting programming languages available today: the Ada language. This chapter begins a discussion of the main topics of this book: problem solving, programming, and Ada. We first discuss problem solving with a computer. Then languages for computer programming are described. Finally, we describe the process for creating a program and the roles performed by special programs that are part of a computer system. These programs include the operating system, compiler, editor, and loader.
Copyright © 1996 by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc.