Programming Foundations and Tools

This unit introduces core programming concepts, foundational data structures and simple algorithms, and the tools and language structures used to create, run, and debug programs. Students will study variables, control flow, subprograms, basic object-oriented ideas, file I/O, simple search/sort/encryption/compression techniques, and the role of compilers and development environments to prepare for more advanced game programming topics.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze fundamental programming concepts (keywords, variables, assignment, conditionals, loops, and subprograms) by tracing and explaining the behavior of short programs or pseudocode examples.
• Apply basic data storage and manipulation techniques (arrays/collections, stacks, structures, file I/O) to design and implement small, documented programs that solve specified tasks.
• Demonstrate use of development tools and language structure by selecting an appropriate compiler or interpreter, writing commented source code, and explaining the program structure in at least two languages or language families.
• Evaluate simple algorithms and data-handling methods (sequential and binary search, bubble sort, lossless compression, and basic encryption) for correctness and appropriate use in common game programming scenarios, and identify common programming errors and debugging strategies.