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Lec 1 Video 1 Intro Computer hardware

Dennis Rainey・27 minutes read

Computer programs are written in programming languages like C++, and then converted into machine language for the computer to understand and execute. The CPU, operating at gigahertz speeds, decodes and executes instructions stored in RAM, with software like Visual Studio used to write and compile code into machine language for execution.

Insights

  • Each programming language like C++, Java, Python, etc., has unique strengths and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences in software development.
  • Machine language, composed of binary numbers (ones and zeros), is the fundamental language understood by computers, with programs in languages like C++ needing translation by a compiler to be executed by the CPU, the computer's central processing unit.

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Recent questions

  • What is the role of a compiler in programming?

    Converts code into machine language for execution.

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Summary

00:00

Understanding Computer Programming and Machine Language

  • A computer program consists of a series of instructions executed by the computer.
  • Various programming languages like C++, Java, C sharp, Python, Perl, and JavaScript can be used to write programs.
  • Each programming language has its own strengths and advantages.
  • Machine language, written in binary numbers (ones and zeros), is the only language the computer understands.
  • Programs written in languages like C++ are converted into machine language by a compiler.
  • The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of the computer and executes instructions fetched from RAM.
  • Instructions fetched by the CPU are decoded and executed one at a time.
  • The CPU operates at a clock speed of around 3-4 gigahertz, allowing it to execute billions of cycles per second.
  • The computer reads instructions as logic gates opening and closing, representing ones and zeros as voltage.
  • Visual Studio is a program used to write and compile C++ code into machine language for execution.

18:30

Computer Programming Basics: Tools and Memory

  • Visual Studio is the primary tool used in class, but Xcode is an alternative for Mac users.
  • Other compilers like Eclipse and REPL are available, but Visual Studio is preferred in class.
  • RAM is the main memory of a computer, necessary for running programs.
  • Programs are made up of machine language instructions stored in RAM.
  • Programs can be 32-bit or 64-bit, with 32-bit programs being compatible with both types of computers.
  • Visual Studio defaults to creating 32-bit programs.
  • Instructions in RAM are stored in cells, each holding one byte.
  • Data, such as user input in programs like Microsoft Word, is also stored in RAM.
  • Binary numbers, consisting of ones and zeros, are the foundation of computer logic and are used in machine language.
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