Session 1: What is Programming?

Learning Objectives

• Understand what programming is and how it relates to block coding
• Learn the basic structure of a C++ program
• Write and run your first C++ program

Warm-up (10 minutes)

Think about your experience with block coding:

• What did you create with blocks?
• How did you tell the computer what to do?
• What happened when you “ran” your block program?

New Concept Introduction (30 minutes)

What is Programming?

Programming is giving instructions to a computer, just like you did with blocks. But instead of dragging visual blocks, we type text commands that the computer can understand.

Block Coding vs Text Coding:

• Block coding: Drag and drop visual elements
• Text coding: Type specific commands in a programming language

Why C++?

C++ is a powerful language used to create:

• Video games (like Minecraft’s core engine)
• Operating systems (Windows, parts of macOS)
• Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
• Apps and software you use daily

Anatomy of a C++ Program

Every C++ program has this basic structure:

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#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    // Your code goes here
    cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Let’s break this down:

• #include <iostream>: Tells the computer we want to use input/output operations
• using namespace std: Lets us use standard C++ features without typing “std::” every time
• int main(): This is where our program starts running
• cout <<: Prints text to the screen
• return 0: Tells the computer the program finished successfully

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Recommended Setup: VSCode with MinGW (Best for Learning C++)

We recommend using Visual Studio Code with the MinGW-w64 compiler for the best C++ learning experience. This setup gives you:

• Professional development environment used by real programmers
• Excellent debugging and code completion features
• Integrated terminal for running your programs
• Extensions specifically designed for C++ learning

Quick Setup Steps:

1. Follow the complete setup guide: VSCode C++ Configuration with MinGW
2. Install Visual Studio Code
3. Install MinGW-w64 compiler
4. Install the C/C++ extension for VSCode
5. Configure your development environment

Alternative Options (if you prefer something simpler to start):

• Online: Replit.com - No installation needed, works in your browser
• Desktop Alternative: Code::Blocks - Simpler IDE with built-in compiler

Why VSCode + MinGW?

• Industry-standard tools that professional developers use
• Excellent error messages that help you learn
• Powerful debugging features to understand how your code works
• Free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Extensive C++ learning resources and extensions

Hands-on Practice (40 minutes)

Exercise 1: Your First Program (15 minutes)

Type this program exactly as shown:

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#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, I'm learning C++!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Run it and see what happens!

Exercise 2: Personalize It (10 minutes)

Modify the program to print your name:

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#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME]" << endl;
    cout << "I am [YOUR AGE] years old" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Exercise 3: Multiple Lines (15 minutes)

Create a program that prints your favorite things:

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#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "My favorite color is: [COLOR]" << endl;
    cout << "My favorite food is: [FOOD]" << endl;
    cout << "My favorite game is: [GAME]" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Challenge/Quiz (10 minutes)

Challenge: ASCII Art Name Create a program that prints your name in large letters using ASCII characters. For example, if your name is “Sam”:

 SSS   AAA   M   M
S     A   A  MM MM
 SSS  AAAAA  M M M
    S A   A  M   M
SSSS  A   A  M   M

Validation Prompt

```
I'm learning C++ and just completed Session 1. Here's my solution to the ASCII Art Name challenge:

[PASTE YOUR CODE HERE]

The challenge was: Create a program that prints your name in large letters using ASCII characters.

Please check if my solution:
1. Compiles correctly
2. Produces ASCII art output
3. Uses cout and endl appropriately
4. Has the basic C++ program structure

If there are issues, please explain what's wrong and give me a hint to fix it (don't give me the complete solution).
```

What You Learned

• ✅ Basic C++ program structure
• ✅ How to use cout to display text
• ✅ The difference between block and text coding
• ✅ How to compile and run a C++ program

Next Session Preview

In Session 2, you’ll learn how to get input from users using cin, making your programs interactive!