159'331 Programming Languages

1
159.331 Programming Languages Algorithms

• Lecture 1 - Overview
• Prof Ken Hawick
• k.a.hawick_at_massey.ac.nz

2
Objectives

• How to choose the best programming language for a
  particular task
• How different language paradigms support
  different algorithms

3
Coverage Outline

• 1) Introduction and Overview of Programming
  Languages (common features and criteria)
• 2) Introductory Review of Selected Algorithms (a
  survey)
• 3) Aspects of Programming Languages and
  Applications (some context for deployment)
• 4) Imperative Programming languages (eg C,
  Fortran and others)
• 5) Object oriented Programming Languages (eg C
  and Java, D and others)
• 6) Functional Languages (eg Lisp based
  languages)
• 7) Logic Languages (eg Prolog)
• 8) Parallel and Distributed Languages (eg
  various language add-ons and environments)
• 9) Miscellaneous Other Language Paradigms
• 10) Scripting Languages (eg Perl, Python, Ruby
  and related systems)
• 11) Algorithms in a Language Context (the right
  language for the right job)
• 12) Underpinning Language Theoretical Ideas
• 13) Review of Key Concepts for Future Languages
  Development (looking ahead)

4
Textbook Review

• No particular textbook is ideal for this paper,
  however you may find the following useful
• "Programming Language Essentials" by Henri Bal
  and Dick Grune, Addison-Wesley, 0-201-63179-2.
• Concepts of Programming Languages, by Robert W.
  Sebesta, Addison-Wesley, Sixth Edition ISBN
  0-321-19362-8.

5
Practicalities

• Will use Java and other (free) Software Systems
  to illustrate ideas
• See the Free Software Foundation and GNU
  Operating system and compilers
• www.fsf.org
• www.gnu.org
• Assignments in C/D and Java

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159.331 Assessment

• Grading - 70 exam 30 Assignments
• Two Assignments
• Assignment 1 - (15)
• Assignment 2 - (15)
• Work individually
• Work handed in electronically (See web site for
  course)

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Lectures Tutorials

• Lectures
• 10am Mondays AT3
• 10am Wednesdays AT3
• 10am Thursday AT7
• Tutorial Sessions
• Will use one of the weekly slots as needed

8
Course Material

• Website for this paper is
• http//www.massey.ac.nz/kahawick/159331
• Will contain
• slides (PPT and PDF) for the lectures
• Handout notes
• Assignment specifications
• Online forms for assignment handins
• Other links to relevant web material examples

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Summary

• 2 lectures 1 Tutorial a week (12 weeks)
• AT3 or 7
• 2 Assignments to be done individually
• 70 Exam, 30 assignment

• Covering various concepts in programming
  languages, algorithms and links between them.
• No one ideal textbook
• Watch the web pages www.massey.ac.nz/kahawick/159
  331