The document discusses thinking like a programmer and preparing to program. It begins by having the reader share their initial thoughts on programming and notes that learning to program can take years and involves learning new languages. It distinguishes between high-level programming languages like Swift, C#, Java, and C++ and scripting languages like Python, Ruby, and JavaScript. The document emphasizes that preparing to program involves regular practice of tutorials and training, remembering to write clean and concise code, making programming friends, and citing references as learning programming takes time and wrestling with concepts.

1. Thinking like a
Programmer
MMC-150, Updated: FA2021

2. What do we think of when we think of
programming?
● Start by sharing your thoughts
● Learned thought process
○ It can take years
● You are learning another language,
sometimes multiple languages!
● Translation is key - Being
descriptive as possible
● Keep. Practicing.

3. Writing directions for your program...
Although computers can do amazing things
for us and make our lives easier…
Sometimes, it can be extremely frustrating
to get them to understand what it is we
actually are asking them to do.

4. Programming Languages
High Programming Languages
● Swift
● C#
● Java
● C++
Scripting Languages
● Python
● Ruby
● JavaScript

5. “JavaScript is often
thought of as Java Lite,
even though the two-
languages are completely
unrelated.”
Jones, page 9

6. Preparing to Program
● Practice. Do tutorials, do training practices, just keep practicing!
● It will take time. It is more logic than hardcore mathematics.
● Remember - You want your code to be clean and to the point
● Make Programming buddies.
● Learning to program takes time. Do not wait until the last minute
○ You may have to wrestle with the concepts
● Cite your references!
○ It’s just not cool to steal other people’s code.
● A Good Program, is a done, functional program.