Class Introduction to Computing

This course aims to develop knowledge about basic computer architecture, including processors, memory, and operating systems. Students will also develop skills in numerical bases and the use of the command line. They will further acquire foundational knowledge of Markdown and Git, essential for documentation and software project management. The course also addresses principles of algorithms, flowcharts, and the first steps in Python programming, equipping students with a practical understanding of how programs are developed.

Not applicable

Computer architecture Computers, processors, memory, cache, operating systems, file systems, applications. Numbering systems Numerical bases: binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal, and others. Arithmetic operations between different bases. Addition and subtraction in binary and hexadecimal. Negative numbers in binary: two's complement. The command line as an efficient Interface with the computer Windows Terminal, Bash console, and main commands. File Manipulation Markdown Documentation and formatting in plain text. Version Control with Git Setup, basic concepts, branches/merges, remotes, collaboration methods, rebase, tags; LFS. Introduction to programming in Python Variables, data types, conditions and loops, functions Python code blocks in Markdown Use of flowcharts to represent simple programs (with variables, conditions, loops, and functions) Mermaid blocks to create flowcharts in Markdown

Intensive use of GitHub and/or similar platforms, with continuous resolution of exercises, with feedback from the teachers.

Cone, M. (2018). The Markdown Guide. Independently published. Chacon, S. & Straub, B. (2014). Pro Git (2nd Edition). Apress. Matthes, E. (2019). Python Crash Course: A Hands On Project Based Introduction To Programming, 2nd Edition. No Starch Press.